7th Grade · Expressions & Equations
Distributive Property
7.EE.A.1
Definition
a(b + c) = ab + ac. Multiply the factor outside the parentheses by each term inside. Works with addition and subtraction.
Examples
- 3(x + 5) = 3·x + 3·5 = 3x + 15.
- -2(4x - 3) = -2(4x) + (-2)(-3) = -8x + 6.
Key rule
Also works in reverse — that is called factoring.
Memory hook
Hand out the outside number to everyone inside.