Chapter 9 · Questions · page 58 of 68
How do you use the distributive property?
Short answerMultiply the number outside the parentheses by every term inside. 3(x + 4) becomes 3x + 12.
levelPre-algebra
standard6.EE.A.3
practiceLike terms and distributing
The number in front of parentheses multiplies the whole group, not just the first thing in it. Three groups of x + 4 is three x and three 4s.
How to use it
- Multiply the outside number by the first term inside.
- Multiply it by every other term inside, keeping their signs.
- Combine like terms if any are left.
Example
Where it goes wrong
- Multiplying only the first term: 3(x + 4) is not 3x + 4.
- Losing the sign of a term inside the parentheses.