Create a free account now and get 3 full lessons, completely free. Get my 3 free lessons

First Year maths · N.5 · Simplify expressions

Distributive property with negative numbers

Multiply the number outside the parentheses by every term inside. Write the answer as ax + b.

Loading a question…

See worked examples
  1. Expand: 2(−x − 1). Write your answer as ax + b.

    Answer: -2x - 2

  2. Expand: 4(x + 9). Write your answer as ax + b.

    Answer: 4x + 36

  3. Expand: −2(−x + 9). Write your answer as ax + b.

    Answer: 2x - 18

Tip: Multiply the number outside the parentheses by every term inside. Write the answer as ax + b.

Print a worksheet of this skill New questions and an answer key, free.

Up next

Print a free worksheet with answers (20 questions).

Practise without limits

Members practise as much as they like, every day, and get the printable packs and lessons too.