Final answer:
The distributive property is used to solve equations by distributing a number or variable to each term inside parentheses, before simplifying and isolating the variable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distributive property states that for any numbers a, b, and c, a(b + c) = ab + ac. To solve an equation using the distributive property, you need to distribute the number outside the parentheses to each term inside the parentheses.
For example, let's solve the equation 3(x + 2) = 15:
First, distribute the 3 to both terms inside the parentheses: 3 * x + 3 * 2 = 15.
This simplifies to: 3x + 6 = 15.
Now, isolate the variable by subtracting 6 from both sides: 3x = 15 - 6 = 9.
Finally, divide both sides by 3 to solve for x, giving you the answer x = 3.
Learn more about Solving equations using the distributive property