What is the main purpose of using the distributive property in algebraic expressions?

To remove parentheses and simplify the expression.

Explain, in your own words, how the distributive property works when you have a number multiplied by an expression in parentheses.

You multiply the number outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses.

6th GradeMath50 min

I can use the distributive property to simplify expressions.

8 min

An Intro to the Distributive Property | Simplifying Expressions | Math with Mr. J

Math with Mr. J

10 min

Key concepts students will learn:

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The distributive property helps remove parentheses within algebraic expressions when we cannot combine like terms inside the parentheses.
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To simplify the expression 8(2m + 6), distribute the 8 to both terms inside the parentheses, resulting in 16m + 48.
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When distributing with subtraction, you can treat the subtracted term as a negative to ensure correct application of the distributive property, such as in the expression 7(a - 9) which simplifies to 7a - 63.

15 min

11 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

5 min

“Simplify the expression using the distributive property: 5(3x + 2). Show your work.”

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