Solving Equations with the Distributive Property

Front

What is the Distributive Property?

Back

The Distributive Property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.

Front

Use the Distributive Property to solve: 4( x + 2) = 16

Back

x = 2

Front

Use the Distributive Property to solve: -7(z - 6) = -70

Back

z = 16

Front

Use the Distributive Property to solve for x: -3(x-8)=87

Back

x = -21

Front

Use the Distributive Property to solve: 3(x-20)=15

Back

x = 25

Front

Use the Distributive Property to solve: 4(5-x)=8

Back

x = 3

Front

What does it mean to isolate a variable in an equation?

Back

Isolating a variable means to manipulate the equation so that the variable is on one side and all other terms are on the opposite side.

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more variables.

Front

What is a variable in mathematics?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an equation or expression.

Front

What is the first step in solving an equation using the Distributive Property?

Back

The first step is to apply the Distributive Property to eliminate parentheses by multiplying the term outside the parentheses by each term inside.