The law says that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together is the same as multiplying each separately. What does this mean? Here we can see it in a formula:
You can see that the multiplication of a has been distributed among the sum of b and c.
Let’s see some examples of how to use the distributive law.
First example (click here):
Expand
1. Define the values for a, b, c
, ,
Refer to the formula to see what these values are.2. Plug these values into the distributive law formula
3. Simplify your answer
Next example ( is our answer.click here):
Expand
1. Define the values for a, b, c
, ,
2. Plug these values into the distributive law formula
3. Simplify your answer
In this last example, we will see another application of the distributive law. is the answer.
Last example (click here):
Just by looking at this problem, this might be difficult to calculate quickly. So let’s use the distributive law.
1. Make 106 the sum of two numbers
2. Plug this in for 106
3. Define values a, b, c
, ,
4. Plug these into the distributive law formula
5. Simplify your answer
530 is the answer.As you can see, the distributive law is very handy. Therefore, I highly suggest you memorize this formula and become familiar with how to use it. You can do so by doing as many examples as you can. For practice examples and more help, check out Symbolab’s Practice
Until next time,
Leah