In algebra, when we multiply out brackets, everything inside the bracket gets multiplied by whatever is outside the bracket.

Take care with the signs, remembering the rules about multiplying negative numbers:

When multiplying or dividing numbers, if the signs are the same (+ and + or - and -) the answer is positive (+)

If the signs are different (+ and - or - and +) the answer is negative (-)

The following examples show how the 3 and the -3 outside the brackets affect the terms inside the brackets.

Can you see how important it is to look carefully at the signs?!

Let's get started.