7.6 Expressions and the Distributive Property
Learning Objectives
- I can simplify an expression in the form or by using the Distributive Property.
Introduction
Suppose a piece of gift-wrapping paper had a length of 5 feet and a width of feet. When wrapping a present, you cut off a vertical strip of 1 foot so that the width of the piece of gift-wrapping paper decreased by 1 foot. What would be the area of the remaining paper in square feet? Could you write this expression in simplified form? In this Concept, you'll learn to use the Distributive property so that you can simplify expressions like the one representing this area.
Guided Learning
At the end of the school year, an elementary school teacher makes a little gift bag for each of his students. Each bag contains one class photograph, two party favors, and five pieces of candy. The teacher will distribute the bags among his 28 students. How many of each item does the teacher need?
Example A
You could begin to solve this problem by deciding your variables.
Let and
Next you can write an expression to represent the situation:
There are 28 students in class, so the teacher needs to repeat the bag 28 times. An easier way to write this is
We can omit the multiplication symbol and write .
Therefore, the teacher needs or
The teacher needs 28 photographs, 56 favors, and 140 pieces of candy to complete the end-of-year gift bags.
When you multiply an algebraic expression by another expression, you apply the Distributive Property.
The Distributive Property: For any real numbers and :
Take a minute to write the Distributive Property in your notebook.
Example B
Determine the value of using both Order of Operations and the Distributive Property.
Solution: Using the Order of Operations:
Using the Distributive Property:
Regardless of the method, the answer is the same.
Example C
Simplify
Solution 1: Think of this expression as seven groups of . You could write this expression seven times and add all the like terms.
Solution 2: Apply the Distributive Property.
Guided Practice
Simplify Check your work with a partner.
Solution: Apply the Distributive Property.
Review
- Use the Distributive Property to assist in solving equations.
Distributive Property
For any real numbers and :
Additional Resources
Distributive Property Example Video
Properties Vocabulary Activity