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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.
