Question

How do you use distributive property

Answer 1

The distributive property is a mathematical property that allows you to multiply a number by a group of numbers added or subtracted together. It states that for any numbers a, b, and c:

a * (b + c) = (a * b) + (a * c)

To use the distributive property, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify the expression that needs to be simplified or expanded.
2. Look for a number outside parentheses and distribute it to each term inside the parentheses using the distributive property.
3. Perform the multiplication for each term inside the parentheses.
4. Simplify any like terms by combining them.

For example, let's say you have the expression:

3 * (2 + 4)

You can use the distributive property to simplify it:

3 * 2 + 3 * 4

Perform the multiplication within the parentheses:

6 + 12

Combine the like terms:

18

So, using the distributive property, you can simplify 3 * (2 + 4) to 18.