The distributive property states that an expression which is given in form of A (B + C) can be solved as A × (B + C) = AB + AC. How would you explain this to your child?
First, you’ll want to tell them what distributive property in math is.
What is distributive property?
The distributive property is a math rule that helps us when we need to multiply a number by a group of numbers added together. It makes things easier and helps us do math faster.
The best way to explain this is in an example.
Distributive property example
Imagine you have this math problem:
3 x (4 + 2)
To use the distributive property, you do this:
First, you multiply 3 by 4: 3 x 4 = 12
Then, you multiply 3 by 2: 3 x 2 = 6
Now, you have two answers: 12 and 6.
Finally, you add those two answers together: 12 + 6 = 18
So, 3 x (4 + 2) equals 18.
The distributive property is like breaking a big problem into smaller parts, multiplying each part separately, and then adding those parts back together. It helps make multiplication easier!
Worksheets to practice distributive property
In these worksheets, students practice using distributive property to multiply 1 by 2 digit numbers.
