Expanding Single Brackets · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Expanding Single Brackets

Mathematics · Algebra · ages 11-13
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Expand 4(x + 3), then find its value when x = 2.

    Answer: ______________

  2. Expand 5(x + 2).

    • 5x + 10
    • 5x + 2
    • x + 10
    • 5x + 7

  3. Expand 2(x + 3).

    • 2x+3
    • 2x+6
    • x+6

  4. Expanding 3(x + 4) means multiplying 3 by x and by 4.

    Circle one:   True   False

  5. Expand -3(y - 4), then find its value when y = 2.

    Answer: ______________

  6. Expand 6(x + 2). What is the constant number in your answer, the term without x?

    Answer: ______________

  7. Expand -3(y - 2).

    • -3y - 6
    • -3y + 2
    • -3y + 6
    • 3y + 6

  8. Mia says 2(x + 6) = 2x + 12 because the 2 multiplies both terms inside. Is Mia right?

    Circle one:   True   False

  9. Zara expanded 4(x - 5) and got 4x - 5. What mistake did she make?

    • She forgot to multiply the second term by 4
    • She multiplied both terms correctly
    • She should have added 4 instead of multiplying

  10. Expand -3(2x - 4).

    • -6x - 12
    • -6x - 4
    • 6x + 12
    • -6x + 12
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Expanding Single Brackets W1-mt_FX4a2Q8XXN-s1

  1. 20 · 4x + 12 with x = 2 gives 8 + 12 = 20.
  2. 5x + 10 · The 5 multiplies both terms: 5x + 10.
  3. 2x+6 · Multiply the 2 by both terms: 2 × x = 2x and 2 × 3 = 6, giving 2x + 6.
  4. True · That is the whole rule: the outside number multiplies every term inside.
  5. 6 · -3y + 12 with y = 2 gives -6 + 12 = 6.
  6. 12 · 6 × 2 = 12, so the expanded form is 6x + 12.
  7. -3y + 6 · Minus times minus is plus: -3y + 6.
  8. True · Mia is right: that is exactly what expanding means.
  9. She forgot to multiply the second term by 4 · The 4 must multiply the -5 too, giving 4x - 20. She left the second term unmultiplied.
  10. -6x + 12 · -3 × 2x = -6x and -3 × -4 = +12, giving -6x + 12.
Worksheet · LightMySky