3(x + 5)
The distributive property states that you are distributing whatever is outside the parenthesis to all terms within the parenthesis. For complex distributive questions, you will have to simplify the parenthesis first (if you can) before distributing.
In this case, the example given is 3(x + 5).
First, distribute 3 to all terms in the parenthesis by multiplication:
3(x + 5)
= (3 * x) + (3 * 5)
= 3x + 15
3x + 15 is your answer.
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Another more complex distribute property can involve powers. Take for example:
(7x + 5)²
In this case, you will use the distributive method of FOIL, or (First, Outside, Inside, Last). Set the question:
(7x + 5)² = (7x + 5)(7x + 5)
First: 7x * 7x = 49x²
Outside: 7x * 5 = 35x
Inside: 5 * 7x = 35x
Last: 5 * 5 = 25
Next, combine like terms:
49x² + 35x + 35x + 25
49x² + (35x + 35x) + 25
49x² + (70x) + 25
49x² + 70x + 25 would be your answer.
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