Understanding the Distributive Property

The video tutorial covers the distributive property, a fundamental concept in mathematics. It begins with an introduction to the property, explaining its importance and how it is used in algebra. The tutorial then provides examples of applying the distributive property to various expressions, including handling negative signs and using fractions. It also discusses the flexibility of the property when terms are reversed. Finally, the tutorial demonstrates real-life applications, such as calculating costs, to show the practical use of the distributive property.

What is the distributive property primarily used for in mathematics?

• To find the derivative of a function

• To simplify expressions by distributing a factor across terms inside parentheses

• To solve quadratic equations

• To calculate the area of a rectangle

How would you apply the distributive property to the expression 3(x + 4)?

• 3x + 4

• 7x

• 3x + 12

• 3 + 4x

When using the distributive property, what happens if you have a negative sign outside the parentheses?

• The terms inside the parentheses are multiplied

• The sign of each term inside the parentheses remains the same

• The sign of each term inside the parentheses is reversed

• The terms inside the parentheses are added

How do you apply the distributive property to an expression with fractions, such as (1/3)(x - 6)?

• Multiply only the first term by 1/3

• Multiply both terms inside the parentheses by 1/3

• Add 1/3 to each term inside the parentheses

• Subtract 1/3 from each term inside the parentheses

What is the result of applying the distributive property to 5(2 + 3)?

• 10 + 3

• 10 + 5

• 5 + 15

• 10 + 15

In a real-life scenario, how can the distributive property help calculate the total cost of multiple items?

• By multiplying the number of items by the sum of their individual prices

• By dividing the total cost by the number of items

• By adding the prices of all items directly

• By distributing the number of items across the sum of their individual prices

If Jordan buys 3 notebooks at $5 each and 3 pens at $6 each, how can the distributive property be used to find the total cost?

• 3 x (5 + 6)

• 3 x 5 + 3 x 6

• 3 x 5 x 6

• 3 + 5 + 6

How can the distributive property be used to simplify the calculation of 9 x 19.95?

• By adding 9 to 19.95

• By rounding 19.95 to 20 and adjusting for the difference

• By subtracting 9 from 19.95

• By dividing 19.95 by 9

What is the mental math strategy for using the distributive property with complex numbers?

• Multiplying the number by itself

• Breaking down the number into simpler parts

• Adding the number to itself

• Dividing the number into smaller fractions

What is the final result of calculating 9 x 19.95 using the distributive property?

• 180.00

• 179.55

• 180.55

• 179.95