Just a heads up: we’re going to use (x + 1) (x + 2) as an example to work out. Are you ready?

You can work out the equation using the grid method, like you do for multiplication.

Always set up the grid like the one below:

Firstly, we’re going to do x times x. That equals x2.

Now, we’re going to do +2 times x which equals 2x.

So, we do x times + 1 now. This equals x because anything times one equals itself.

Finally, 1 x 2 obviously equals two.

So, we lay out our answer like this: x2 + 3x + 2. And that’s how you expand brackets.