Aim of this blog : To share with others a way to grasp the concept of Expansion and Factorisation
What is Expansion?
Expansion is the process which you use the distributive law to expand the product of sums.
E.g. a(b+c)=ab+ac
What is Factorisation?
Factorisation is the process of algebraic expression as a product of 2 or more algebraic expressions. It is the reverse of expansion. 
How to factorise algebraic expression:
1. Identify common factors(e.g. common number or common variables of the term.)
2. Factor out all the common factors
3. Check to make sure that ALL common factors have been factored out and the algebraic expression has been factorised COMPLETELY
E.g. 2x+2y=2(x+y)
4. If it is a quadratic expression, use the 'cross method'.
Algebraic expressions: consist of algebraic terms, operation symbols(+-×÷) or brackets but no (=) sign
Linear expression: ax+b
Quadratic expression: ax^2+bx+c
Expansion vs. Factorisation
Expansion- no brackets
- looks more complicated
Factorisation- easier to see
- have brackets
Expansion & Factorisation using Special identities:
Different forms of factorisation:
- special identities
- grouping method
Reflection:
I felt that learning these 2 chapters on factorisation and expansion is very meaningful so that i will be able to use algebra more efficiently and at the same expansion and factorisation seem interesting to me. These 2 chapters are important as it helps me to calculate faster in algebra.
