Expand and simplify (3x+2) (x-5)

We expand this term by term.

To make sure we expand every term, I use the beak method. To do this, draw 2 curves over the equation from the 3x to the x, and then a second curve from the x to the +2.

Then draw 2 more curves, this time under the equation, from the 3x to the -5, and the second from the -5 to the +2.

You will notice the lines make an outline of a beak.

Now we are ready to multiply all of the lines.

3x * x = 3x2

x * 2 = 2x

3x * -5  = -15x

5 * 2 = -10

Now we simply add all of these calculated terms together:

3x2+2x-15x-10

We can do one step of simplification as there are two x terms:

2x-15x=-13x

This now gives us the final answer:

3x2-13x-10

DS
Answered by Dominic S. Maths tutor

18914 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the simultaneous equations 1) 3x + 2y = 4 & 2) 4x + 5y = 17


Solve algebraically: 6a+b=16, 5a-2b=19


Solve the simultaneous equations. (1) 2x + y = 18 (2)x − y = 6


Find an equation of the line which passes through the point (4,-7) and has slope 3.


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