Distributive Property with Polynomials
SCMP Summer 2008
Distributive Property with Polynomials
Use your algebra tiles to represent 3x + 12. Draw the model below.
Rearrange your algebra tiles (if necessary) into a perfect rectangle. Draw your
model below. Label the height and base of your rectangle. Write an expression
as a product of your height and base to represent the area of the model.
Rearrange the algebra tiles to form a rectangle so the new height is the base of
the former rectangle. Draw your model below. Label the height and base and
represent the area as the product of your height times your base.
What conclusion can you make about the three models you have drawn above?
Use algebra tiles to apply the distributive property to the following
expressions. Draw the models and state the product as a sum.
a) 2(x + 4)
b) 3(2x – 1)
c) (2x + 3)x
d) (x + 3)2
e) x(x + 2)
f) (x + 3)5
Use algebra tiles to explain why 4(x + 1) is not equal to 4x + 1.