February 04, 2015
PROBLEM 4.2
Distributive Property
DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY
The distributive property states that for any three terms a, b, and c:
a(b + c) = ab + ac OR a(b - c) = ab - ac
That is, when a multiples a group of terms, such as (b
term of the group.
+ c), then it multiplies EACH
For example, when multiplying 3(x + 4), the 3 multiplies BOTH the x and the 4.
More of a visual person? Try using in a generic rectangle .
3(x + 4) =
3
x
+
4
February 04, 2015
Factored
Form
Expanded
Form
4 (x + 12) = ___ + ____
6 (3x - 5) = ___ - ____
3x + 15 = ___ (___ + ___)
12x - 28 = ___ (___ - ___)
From factored form to expanded form: (Hint - "pass out" the factor to each
term inside the parentheses!)
3(x + 5) =
From expanded form to factored form: (Hint - look for a common factor!)
10x + 45 =
5 • 2x + 5 • 9 =