Secondary 3 G2 Mathematics Tutor Bukit Timah | Algebraic Expansion and Double Brackets. Did you know? Every term in one bracket must multiply every term in the other.
This Secondary 3 G2 Mathematics tutor guide for Bukit Timah explains algebraic expansion and double brackets using clear worked examples and practical checking habits. Follow the current school chapter sequence.
Distributive law
a(b+c)=ab+ac. For example 3(x+4)=3x+12, not 3x+4.
A useful follow-up is to change the values and explain why the same mathematical relationship still applies. Check the original question’s units, assumptions and required form of the answer.
Two brackets
(x+2)(x+5)=x²+5x+2x+10=x²+7x+10. Four products must be accounted for.
A useful follow-up is to change the values and explain why the same mathematical relationship still applies. Check the original question’s units, assumptions and required form of the answer.
Negative signs
(x−3)(x+4)=x²+4x−3x−12=x²+x−12. A negative times a positive is negative.
A useful follow-up is to change the values and explain why the same mathematical relationship still applies. Check the original question’s units, assumptions and required form of the answer.
Square of a sum
(x+3)²=(x+3)(x+3)=x²+6x+9, not x²+9. The middle terms matter.
A useful follow-up is to change the values and explain why the same mathematical relationship still applies. Check the original question’s units, assumptions and required form of the answer.
Difference of squares
(x+5)(x−5)=x²−25 because the +5x and −5x terms cancel.
A useful follow-up is to change the values and explain why the same mathematical relationship still applies. Check the original question’s units, assumptions and required form of the answer.
Reverse check
Factorising x²+7x+10 returns (x+2)(x+5). Expanding the factors verifies the expression.
A useful follow-up is to change the values and explain why the same mathematical relationship still applies. Check the original question’s units, assumptions and required form of the answer.
A practical seven-day revision sequence
Day 1: identify the mathematical quantities. Day 2: practise a worked example. Day 3: change the given values. Day 4: attempt an unlabelled question. Day 5: explain the first mistaken step. Day 6: combine the topic with a related skill. Day 7: complete an independent retest after a delay.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right method? Start with the known quantities and the question’s required result. How do I check? Substitute into the original information and check units or probabilities. What should a tutor diagnose? The first incorrect interpretation or operation, not simply the final wrong number.
Official syllabus and local tuition context
See the 2027 SEC G2 Mathematics K210 syllabus for the precise topic and assessment scope. The unchanged eduKateSG small-group Mathematics reference describes three-pupil lessons near Sixth Avenue. Confirm current Secondary 3 G2 group fit, fees, tutor, venue and timetable directly.
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Related articles: Enlargement and Scale Drawings, Factorisation by Grouping and Probability Rules.