O LevelFurther MathsCambridge (CIE)Additional MathsRevision NotesAlgebra & FunctionsFactors of PolynomialsOperations with Polynomials

Operations with Polynomials (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Additional Maths): Revision Note

Exam code: 4037

Lucy Kirkham

Last updated

Expanding brackets

What is a polynomial?

  • A polynomial is an algebraic expression consisting of a finite number of terms, with non-negative integer indices only

examples of what is and isnt a polynomial

 

What do I need to know about expanding brackets?

  • Expanding brackets is now extended to include

    • brackets with more than 2 terms

    • brackets that are polynomials (beyond linear)

  • To expand two brackets, each term in the first set of brackets must be multiplied by each term in the second set of brackets

    • If there are more than 2 brackets to expand, only work with a pair at a time 

    • You may have seen or used FOIL to expand quadratic expressions

      • that is helpful but is a special case (shortcut) of this more general approach 

expanding brackets example

  • If you are trying to expand a two term bracket to a higher power (i.e. open parentheses a plus b close parentheses to the power of n) then use the binomial expansion 

Worked Example

Expanding brackets worked example 1

Worked Example

Expanding brackets worked example 2

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

    Test yourself
    Previous:Quadratic InequalitiesNext:Polynomial Division
    Lucy Kirkham

    Author: Lucy Kirkham

    Expertise: Head of Content Creation

    Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.