Distributive Property Math Example 3

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

Example 3

medium
Expand −2(3a−4b+1)-2(3a - 4b + 1).

Solution

  1. 1
    Distribute −2-2 to each term: (−2)(3a)+(−2)(−4b)+(−2)(1)(-2)(3a) + (-2)(-4b) + (-2)(1).
  2. 2
    Simplify: −6a+8b−2-6a + 8b - 2.

Answer

−6a+8b−2-6a + 8b - 2
When distributing a negative number, pay careful attention to sign changes on each term.

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 1 easy

Expand [formula].

Example 2 medium

Expand and simplify [formula].

Example 4 easy

Use the distributive property to compute [formula] mentally.

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