Support · Stage 5 · Algebraic techniques A

Support Expand binomial products algebraically using the distributive law or consider areas of rectangles as a possible method of expansion

Resources for the prerequisite content of this dot point: earlier-stage (or earlier sub-level) dot points in the same strand that students usually need first. Use these to fill gaps before or alongside the core lesson.

Prerequisite links are draft mappings generated from the syllabus structure (earlier stage, same strand, closest content). They are being reviewed by teachers. Spot a poor match? Tell us.

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Prerequisite dot points

Apply the distributive law to expand and simplify algebraic expressions by removing grouping symbols

Stage 4 · Algebraic techniques Draft mapping

  • Interactive toolStarterEnrichment
    Mathigon Polypad
    Mathigon (Amplify) · Interactive (browser) · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · Hands-on, No prep
    Use it for: Virtual manipulatives: fraction bars, algebra tiles, cubes and polygons.
  • Interactive toolStarter
    Mathsbot: Algebra Tiles
    Mathsbot · Interactive (browser) · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · No prep
    Use it for: Algebra tiles for expanding and factorising.
  • Interactive toolStarter
    Mathsbot: Manipulatives
    Mathsbot · Interactive (browser) · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · No prep
    Use it for: Virtual manipulatives incl. algebra tiles, two-colour counters, fraction walls.
  • Interactive toolStarter
    Polypad virtual manipulatives (algebra tiles, fraction bars, number lines)
    Mathigon Polypad (Amplify) · Interactive (browser) · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · Hands-on, No prep
    Use it for: Free virtual manipulatives; use algebra tiles to model expanding/factorising or fraction bars for equivalence.
  • SimulationStarterDrill
    PhET Area Model Algebra
    PhET Interactive Simulations · Interactive (browser) · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · Hands-on, No prep
    Use it for: Show expanding brackets and binomial products as rectangle areas.
  • Corbettmaths practice questions: Algebra: expanding brackets
    Corbettmaths · Web page · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · Answers included, No prep, Printable
    Use it for: Free printable graded practice questions (with answers) on algebra: expanding brackets for drill or a quick check.
  • WorksheetDrill
    Kuta free worksheet: Distributive property with area diagrams
    Kuta Software · PDF · Printable PDF · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · Answers included, No prep, Printable
    Use it for: Printable skills-practice sheet with answer key on distributive property with area diagrams; good for drill or homework.
  • WorksheetDrill
    Kuta free worksheet: The distributive property
    Kuta Software · PDF · Printable PDF · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · Answers included, No prep, Printable
    Use it for: Printable skills-practice sheet with answer key on the distributive property; good for drill or homework.
  • WorksheetDrillStarter
    Variation Theory sequences: Expand single brackets
    variationtheory.com (Craig Barton) · Web page · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · No prep
    Use it for: Intelligent-practice sequences on expand single brackets where one thing changes at a time; ask students to predict before answering.
  • VideoStarter
    Corbettmaths video: Algebra: expanding brackets
    Corbettmaths · Video · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · No prep
    Use it for: Short worked-example video on algebra: expanding brackets to model the method before practice or for flipped revision.
  • VideoStarter
    Eddie Woo (WooTube): Basic Algebraic Techniques playlist
    Eddie Woo – WooTube (YouTube) · Video · Free · Link checked 2026-10-15 · No prep
    Use it for: Sydney teacher Eddie Woo's recorded lessons on algebraic techniques; play a clip to model a method or for revision.

Generate a number pattern from an algebraic expression

Stage 4 · Algebraic techniques Draft mapping

No checked resources on this prerequisite dot point yet.

Substitute numbers into algebraic expressions and evaluate the result

Stage 4 · Algebraic techniques Draft mapping