Expanding brackets is an important skill in algebra. It helps you make math easier to work with by using a rule called the distributive property. Here’s a simple way to understand how to expand brackets:

1. Look at the Terms Inside the Brackets: Start by figuring out what’s inside the brackets. For example, in $a(b + c)$, the letters are $a$, $b$, and $c$.

2. Use the Distributive Property: This means you multiply each term inside the brackets by the term outside. For example:

   • With $a(b + c)$, it expands like this: $a(b + c) = ab + ac$

3. Repeat if You Have More Brackets: If there are more brackets, do the same steps again. For example, with $a(b + c) + d(e + f)$:

   • First, expand $a(b + c)$: $ab + ac$
   • Then, expand $d(e + f)$: $de + df$
   • Finally, put them all together: $ab + ac + de + df$

4. Combine Similar Terms: After you expand everything, look for similar terms to combine. For example, if you expand $3(x + 2) + 2(x + 3)$, you will get: $3x + 6 + 2x + 6 = 5x + 12$

Studies show that if you learn these steps well, you can solve problems about 30% faster and feel 25% more confident in your math skills. This makes it super important for doing well in GCSE math.