How do you multiply out two brackets?

Let us use the example of (x + 3)(x + 5)

The main thing we have to remember is to multiply every term in the first bracket by every term in the second bracket. An easy way to make sure we've done this is to use the F.O.I.L method of multiplying brackets. 

Firsts = x * x = x2

Outsides = x * 5 = 5x

Insides = 3 * x = 3x

Lasts = 3 * 5 = 15

If we now put these together we get : x+ 5x +3x + 15 = x2 + 8x +15

ET
Answered by Elliot T. Maths tutor

6952 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the lines y = 3x - 2 and x + 3y = 1.


Solve 5x-13 > 3x-7 for x.


Simultaneous equations - Find the values of y and x: 3


Sarah asked 20 people at a tennis tournament how they travelled there. She found that 13 of them travelled by car. Estimate how many of the total 2000 people at the tournament travelled by car.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning