Pre-Algebra : Distributive Property

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Pre-Algebra

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Example Questions

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

Solve the equation using the distributive property.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, we must use the distributive property on both sides of the equation.

The distributive property states:

Therefore:

Now, we can solve the expression like a two-step equation with variables on both sides. Do not forget the properties of equality and perform the same operations on both sides.

Subtract  from both sides.

   

            

Simplify.

Now, the problem is a one-step equation.

Add  to both sides.

       

Solve.

Check the answer by substituting it back into the original equation. Both sides should equal to each other.

Example Question #411 : Operations And Properties

Simplify using the distributive property:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, we must use the distributive property on both sides of the equation.

The distributive property states:

In other words, we can take the factor on the outside of the parentheses and multiply it by each term inside the parentheses.  

Therefore:

Simplify.

Example Question #744 : Grade 6

Simplify the following expression using the distributive property.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Distributive property is used to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parenthesis. Multiply the outside term (5) by 7 first.

Then multiply the outside term (5) by 9.

Combine the two remaining terms by keeping the sign that was originally inside the parenthesis.

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