Question

How do you use the distributive property to simplify an expression?

Answer 1

Hi!

To simplify an expression using the distributive property, multiply the number outside the parentheses times every term in the parentheses.

The Property is used for simplifying expressions that have the form:
`\twoheadrightarrow\rm{a(b+c)}`. We take the number a and multiply it times b and c.

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Let me give you an example.

Suppose we're asked to simplify

`\twoheadrightarrow\rm{4(x+3)}`. In the formula we multiplied a times b and c. Well, here:

• a = 4
• b = x
• c = 3

so we do the exact same thing! ^^

• 
  `\twoheadrightarrow\rm{4* x+4*3`

• (simplify)
  `\rm{4x+12}`

Have a nice day! I hope the explanation helped you & made sense! ^-^

-stargazing

Answer 2

Ex. 2(3+6)
1. 2×3=6
2. 2×6=12
3. 12+6=18
You first take the number before the parenthesis and multiply by the first number in the expression then you do the same thing for the second number in the parenthesis then you would add,subtract,divide,multiply,etc. In this case we would add because that is the operation used in parenthesis