Mind the Mistake, Mend the Mistake
Last updated at January 13, 2026 by Teachoo
Transcript
Question 12 We have expanded and simplified some algebraic expressions below to their simplest forms. (i) Check each of the simplifications and see if there is a mistake. (ii) If there is a mistake, try to explain what could have gone wrong. (iii) Then write the correct expression.Is there a mistake? No Explanation The student correctly took out ab common from each term Let’s try it ourselves 𝑎𝑏^2+𝑎^2 𝑏+𝑎^2 𝑏^2 =𝒂𝒃 × 𝒃+𝒂 × 𝒂𝒃+𝒂𝒃 × 𝒂𝒃 Taking out ab common =𝒂𝒃(𝒂+𝒃+𝒂𝒃)