The Distributive Property of Multiplication Yes, you can do it!

First of all…what is the Distributive Property?

In the Distributive Property, you are distributing something as you separate or break it into parts. The distributive property makes numbers easier to work with. In algebra when we use the distributive property, we're expanding (distributing).

Let’s watch a BrainPop video to show us more details.

Ok…now let’s take a closer look. The Distributive Property let’s us take a multiplication problem and break it into little parts. 4 x (2 + 3) means… (4 x 2) + (4 x 3)

Think of it this way…you and 4 others (5 total) have been asked to bring 3 drinks to a party. The person having the party needs more drinks, so she asks 2 more people to bring 3 drinks each. The problem looks like this: 3 drinks each for 5 people, then 2 more people… 3 x (5 + 2)= (3 x 5) + (3 x 2)

What we are doing is making one multiplication problems into two so it is easier to solve!

Another way to use the property is to multiply a problem like this: 3 x 25

T To do 3 x 25, we set it up like this… First, show the value of the big number or expand it: 25 = After you expand it, multiply each one times the 3… (3 x 20) and (3 x 5), then add the totals! 75

3 x 25 = (3 x 20) + (3 x 5) In other words, multiply the small number times the big number that has been expanded.

Ok…Let’s try one. 3 x (4 + 6) (On this one, remember to multiply the 3 times the 4, then the 6 and then add the totals.)

And the other way… (expand first) 4 x 63= (4 x 60) + (4 x 3) Stretch it out…