High School Math : How to use the distributive property in pre-algebra

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #8 : Apply The Properties Of Operations To Generate Equivalent Expressions: Ccss.Math.Content.6.Ee.A.3

Distribute:

\(\displaystyle -5(x+15)\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle -5x-15\)

\(\displaystyle -5x+15\)

\(\displaystyle -5x-75\)

\(\displaystyle 5x+75\)

\(\displaystyle -5x+75\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle -5x-75\)

Explanation:

Remember that a negative multiplied by a negative is positive, and a negative multiplied by a positive is negative.

Distribute the \(\displaystyle -5\) through the parentheses by multiplying it by each of the two terms: 

\(\displaystyle -5x-75\)

 

Example Question #1 : Apply The Properties Of Operations To Generate Equivalent Expressions: Ccss.Math.Content.6.Ee.A.3

Expand:

\(\displaystyle 5(2+y)\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 10 + 5y\)

\(\displaystyle 2y+5\)

\(\displaystyle 10 +y\)

\(\displaystyle 10y\)

\(\displaystyle 10y\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 10 + 5y\)

Explanation:

Distribute the \(\displaystyle 5\) by multiplying it by each term inside the parentheses. 

\(\displaystyle 5\cdot 2=10\) 

and

\(\displaystyle 5\cdot y=5y\)

Therefore, 5(2 + y) = 10 + 5y.

 

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