Expanding a bracket with a negative multiplier
Multiply every term by a negative number or a negative algebraic term.
- Use the same distribution arrows as for a positive multiplier.
- Keep the negative sign attached to the outside term.
- A negative times a positive is negative; a negative times a negative is positive.
Example 1
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Example 2
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Remember
A minus sign in front of a bracket means multiply every term by
Your turn
Question 1 Multiply by both terms, keeping their signs.
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Check answer
Question 2 Multiply by both terms, keeping their signs.
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Question 3 Multiply by both terms, keeping their signs.
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Question 4 Multiply by both terms, keeping their signs.
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Question 5 Multiply by both terms, keeping their signs.
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Check answer
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