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Key Stage 3 Algebra
Expanding and Factorising
Expand single brackets and factorise expressions by taking out common factors.
Key idea
Keep both sides balanced, use notation accurately, and check by substituting your answer back in.
What you will learn
Use single brackets confidently.
Use common factors confidently.
Use equivalent expressions confidently.
Use checks confidently.
Success checklist
✓I can explain what expanding and factorising means.
✓I can choose a suitable method without being told.
✓I can show clear working and check my answer.
Worked example
Solve 3𝑥 + 5 = 20.
Step 1
Subtract 5 from both sides: 3𝑥 = 15.
Step 2
Divide both sides by 3.
Step 3
𝑥 = 5.
Answer
𝑥 = 5
Quick practice
Question 1
Simplify 4𝑥 + 3𝑥 - 2𝑥.
Question 2
Solve 2𝑥 - 7 = 11.
Question 3
Expand 5(𝑥 + 3).
Related resources
These are linked to the wider Algebra topic for now.