Distributive Property Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
Expand 4(x+7)4(x + 7).

Solution

  1. 1
    Identify the two terms inside the parentheses: xx and 77.
  2. 2
    Distribute 4 to each term inside the parentheses: 4⋅x+4⋅74 \cdot x + 4 \cdot 7.
  3. 3
    Simplify: 4x+284x + 28.

Answer

4x+284x + 28
The distributive property states a(b+c)=ab+aca(b + c) = ab + ac. Multiply the outside factor by each term inside the parentheses.

About Distributive Property

The rule that multiplying a sum equals the sum of individual products: a(b+c)=ab+aca(b+c) = ab + ac. It links multiplication and addition, allowing you to break apart or combine terms.

Learn more about Distributive Property →

More Distributive Property Examples

Example 2 medium

Expand and simplify [formula].

Example 3 medium

Expand [formula].

Example 4 easy

Use the distributive property to compute [formula] mentally.

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