Distributive Property - Notes
For this property, I'm going to start with the definition and, then, do an example after.
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The Distributive Property:
Where a, b and c are any real numbers. |
First, let me remind you what it means when two letters are right next to each other in math. This is an Algebra thing!
When two things are next to each other,
it means multiplication!
The distributive property is telling us how to deal with those parenthesis when we just have letters inside. We're going to need this a lot in Algebra! Remember that you always do what's in the parenthesis first... But, in Algebra, you may not be able to add the b and the c... So, this property tells you what to do...
You distribute the a to the b and, then you distribute the a to the c.
Example 1 - The Distributive Property
Example 2 is very similar to example 1 above. The only difference is the minus sign. Inside of the parenthesis, we have the expression (x-7), so notice how my answer also contains the minus sign.
Example 2 - Distributive Property with a Minus Sign
In example 3, I'd just like to point out that sometimes you may have a coefficient with x. For example, inside of the parenthesis, we have the expression (4x - 5). You can still multiply 2 times 4x to get 8x.
Example 3 - More Distributing
For example 4, notice that we are distributing a negative number. This becomes tricky because we have to pay careful attention to our signs. Take a look.
Example 4 - Distributing a Negative Number
