Distributive Property Math Example 4

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

Example 4

easy
Use the distributive property to compute 6×486 \times 48 mentally.

Solution

  1. 1
    Rewrite 48 as 50−250 - 2: 6×48=6(50−2)6 \times 48 = 6(50 - 2).
  2. 2
    Distribute: 6×50−6×2=300−12=2886 \times 50 - 6 \times 2 = 300 - 12 = 288.

Answer

288288
Splitting a factor into a round number minus a small correction makes mental math much easier. This is the distributive property in action: a(b−c)=ab−aca(b - c) = ab - ac.

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 3 medium

Expand [formula].

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