242
Lesson 242 of 500 · Extra Passages
⭐ 30 XPExpressions Expand Factor Part 4
📖Story Brief #242
Expressions can be expanded and factored to make calculations easier.
🎯 Your mission
Find what matters in the words.
⚡ The twist
Slow down. The first answer that pops up isn't always the right one.
Read this passage
Highlight speedNormal
Expressions can be expanded and factored to make calculations easier. When we expand an expression, we rewrite it by distributing multiplication over addition or subtraction. For example, if we have the expression 3(x + 4), we can expand it by multiplying 3 by both x and 4. This gives us 3x + 12. Factoring is the reverse process; it involves taking a larger expression and breaking it down into simpler parts. For instance, if we take the expression 6x + 12, we can factor it by finding the greatest common factor, which is 6. This gives us 6(x + 2). Expanding and factoring help us simplify problems and make them easier to solve, especially in algebra.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What happens when you expand the expression 3(x + 4)?
🏆
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Read for 10 minutes today — anything you want.
👨👩👧
For the dinner table
“What's one thing you read today that surprised you?”
🎯
Next Smart Lesson
We'll pick a lesson that matches exactly how well you're reading right now.
📄Share card
Share this lesson
Send it to a parent or fellow reader. 5 minutes is all it takes.
🖨️View in Shop
Checkout complete lesson on Extra Passages for 7th Grade
Get the full Extra Passages track as a printable PDF — all lessons, worksheets, and answer keys.