Expand the brackets: (x + 5)(x - 3)?

An easy way to remember how to expand double brackets is using FOIL. FOIL stands for First, Outer, Inner, and Last. First indicates that we multiple the first two terms of each bracket (x * x = x2). Outer multiples the outer terms ( x * -3 = -3x). Inner multiplies the inner terms (5 * x = 5x). Finally, Last multiplies the last terms of each bracket (5 * -3 = -15). Our answer is the sum of the individual FOIL results: x2 + (-3x) + 5x + (-15) = x2 + 2x - 15.

DW
Answered by Daniel W. Maths tutor

4302 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you factorize a quadratic equation which has a coefficient of x^2 other than 1?


If Angela gets 50p change from a £2 coin, how much is 250g of butter? (full details below)


Work out the value of (√3 )² x (√2 )²


Calculate 8^0


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