Understanding the Distributive Property

What is the distributive property used for in mathematics?

• To find the square root of a number

• To divide numbers evenly

• To multiply a single term across a sum or difference

• To add numbers quickly

When using the distributive property with a binomial, what is important to remember about the signs?

• Only use positive signs

• Ignore the signs

• Keep the signs as they are and use parentheses for negatives

• Always change the signs

How do you apply the distributive property to the expression 5(C - 3)?

• 5C + 15

• 5C - 15

• 5C + 3

• 5C - 3

What is the result of applying the distributive property to -2(M - 4)?

• -2M - 8

• -2M + 8

• 2M + 8

• 2M - 8

When distributing a term across a trinomial, what should you ensure?

• Distribute to all terms and maintain correct signs

• Add all terms before distributing

• Ignore the signs

• Only distribute to the first two terms