Distributive Property with Variables

Front

What is the Distributive Property?

Back

The Distributive Property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Front

Simplify: 3(3x + 1)

Back

9x + 3

Front

Simplify: 2(3v - 8)

Back

6v - 16

Front

Simplify: 3x(x - 7)

Back

3x² - 21x

Front

Simplify: 5(p - 6)

Back

5p - 30

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and perform operations to make the expression as simple as possible.

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents a number that can change or vary.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms.

Front

What is the first step in using the Distributive Property?

Back

The first step is to multiply the term outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.

Front

If a = 2, what is the value of 3(a + 4)?

Back

3(2 + 4) = 3(6) = 18.