Expanding and Factorising Algebraic Expressions

How can 3(x + 4) and 3x + 12 look different yet represent the same value? The answer begins with recognising how algebraic expressions are built from terms, factors and brackets. This vocabulary lets us describe the structure accurately before exploring how expressions can be rewritten. The central distinction is between an expression, which represents a quantity, and an equation, which states that two quantities are equal.