# Brackets and expand (start) A number outside a bracket multiplies **every** term inside. `3(x + 2) = 3x + 6` `2(x − 5) = 2x − 10` This is the **distributive** idea: sharing the 3 with each friend in the bracket. ## Then you may collect `3(x + 2) + x = 3x + 6 + x = 4x + 6` ## Not yet We are **not** doing `(x + 2)(x + 3)` in this starter path. One small door at a time. ## The outside number visits every guest Picture 3 packets. Each packet holds a pencil and an eraser. `3(x + 2)` if x is “pencil” and 2 is “eraser-value”: - 3 pencils → `3x` - 3 erasers → `6` - Total `3x + 6` ### Arrow habit (draw this once) ``` 3 ( x + 2 ) ↘ ↘ 3x 6 ``` ### What we are not doing yet `(x + 2)(x + 3)` is a later door (two brackets). Do not leap there. Master one number outside first.