Question

Lesson 8-5
Using the Distributive Property
b (b + 12) = 0

Answer 1

The value of b is -12

Solution:

The given equation, b (b + 12) = 0

On distributing the b inside the parentheses we get,

`\Rightarrow\bold{ b* b+b*12=0}`

`\bold{\Rightarrow b^(2)+12b=0}`

`\bold{\Rightarrow b^(2)=-12b}`

`\bold{\Rightarrow 1=(-12b)/(b^2)}`

`\bold{\Rightarrow 1=(-12)/(b)}`

`\bold{\Rightarrow b=-12}`

Steps to use distributive property to solve an equation:

• Multiply the term outside of the parentheses by each term in the parentheses.
• Distribute a negative number together with its negative sign.
• Combine like terms
• Solve the equation.

For fractions:

• Identify any fractional coefficients or constants.
• Find the lowest common multiple (LCM) for all denominators.
• Multiply all terms of the equation by the LCM.
• Combine like terms and solve the equation.