Distributive Property Word Problems

True or False: You can also use the distributive property to rewrite a factor as the sum or difference of two or more numbers.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The distributive property allows you to break down a factor into the sum or difference of two or more numbers. It states that for any real numbers a, b, and c: a(b + c) = ab + ac; a(b − c) = ab − ac. Therefore, the statement is true.

Tags

CCSS.3.OA.B.5

Which expression shows how the distributive property can be used to calculate 12 x 16?

• 12(10) + 12(6)

• 16(2) − 16(10)

• 12(15) + 12(4)

• 12(15) − 12(4)

Answer explanation

To find the product, multiply the two numbers together. In this case, you have 12 multiplied by 16. You can rewrite 16 as 10 + 6. Applying the distributive property, you get: 12(10) + 12(6) = 120 + 72 = 192. Therefore, the correct expression is 12(10) + 12(6).

Tags

CCSS.3.OA.B.5

Which expression shows how the distributive property can be used to calculate the cost of 7 items costing $9.99 each?

• 7(9.99) − 7(1.99)

• 9.99(7) + 9.99(2)

• 9.99(7) − 9.99(2)

• 7(8.00) + 7(1.99)

Answer explanation

To find the cost, multiply the number of items by the cost per item. In this case, you have 7 items costing $9.99 each. We can rewrite $9.99 as $8.00 + $1.99. Applying the distributive property, you get: 7(8.00) + 7(1.99) = 56.00 + 13.93 = 69.93. Therefore, the correct expression is 7(8.00) + 7(1.99).

Tags

CCSS.6.NS.B.4

Which expression shows how the distributive property can be used to calculate 5 x 18?

• 18(5) + 18(1)

• 5(20) − 5(2)

• 5(20) + 18(2)

• 18(1) − 18(5)

Answer explanation

To find the product, multiply the two numbers together. In this case, you have 5 multiplied by 18. You can rewrite 18 as 20 - 2. Applying the distributive property, you get: 5(20) - 18(2) = 100 - 36 = 64. Therefore, the correct expression is 5(20) - 18(2).

Tags

CCSS.3.OA.B.5

Which expression shows how the distributive property can be used to calculate the cost of 9 shirts costing $24.99 each?

• 9(30.00) + 9(5.01)

• 30.00(9) + 9(5.01)

• 9(30.00) − 9(5.01)

• 9(30.00) − 9(1.01)

Answer explanation

To find the cost, multiply the number of items by the cost per item. In this case, you have 9 shirts costing $24.99 each. You can rewrite $24.99 as $30.00 − $5.01. Applying the distributive property, you get: 9(30.00) − 9(5.01) = 270.00 − 45.09 = 224.91. Therefore, the correct expression is 9(30.00) − 9(5.01).

Tags

CCSS.6.NS.B.4