Apply the Distributive Property

What distributive property means

The distributive property lets you multiply a number or variable by each term inside parentheses. If you see a product over a sum or difference, rewrite it by distributing the factor to every term.

How to do it

1. Identify the outside factor and the terms inside the parentheses.
2. Multiply the outside factor by each inside term.
3. Keep the correct signs: a plus stays plus, and a minus changes the sign of the term it multiplies.
4. Combine like terms if possible and simplify the result.

Example pattern

• (a(b+c)=ab+ac)
• (a(b-c)=ab-ac)

If there is a coefficient in front of parentheses, multiply it through. If a variable is outside, treat it the same way.

Check your work

You can check by multiplying carefully again or by evaluating both the original and rewritten expressions with the same simple numbers. The answers should match.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to distribute to every term
• Losing a negative sign
• Stopping before simplifying the final expression

Take your time and make sure each term inside the parentheses gets multiplied.