Question

Simplify the expression using the distributive property. 42+7a

Answer 1

7(6+a)

Explanation:

When you are doing this, you have to first find a common factor. In this case it is 7 because 7*6=42 and 7*a=7a. So the common factor is 7 because it has it in both numbers when factoring. You then take the common factor out and see what is left.

So you the the 7 out and whats left is 6+a.

You then write this into an expression. 7(6+a)

Answer 2

7(a +6)

Explanation:

7 is a factor of both terms, so we can factor that out.

42 +7a = 7·6 +7·a = 7(6 +a)