Understanding the Distributive Property

The video tutorial explains the distributive property, which states that a times the quantity b plus or minus c equals a times b plus or minus a times c. It demonstrates how to simplify expressions using this property, even when the monomial is on the right side of the binomial. Two examples are provided: one with positive numbers and another with negative numbers, illustrating how to apply the distributive property in different scenarios. The tutorial emphasizes the commutative property of multiplication and simplifies expressions step-by-step.

What is the basic formula of the distributive property?

• a + b = b + a

• a(b + c) = ab + ac

• a(b - c) = ab - ac

• a(b + c) = a + b + c

Why can the order of multiplication be changed in the distributive property?

• Because multiplication is associative

• Because multiplication is commutative

• Because multiplication is distributive

• Because multiplication is reflexive

How would you rewrite the expression (x + 7) * 3 using the distributive property?

• 3x + 21

• x + 21

• x + 7 + 3

• 3x + 7

What is the result of applying the distributive property to (z - 8) * -4?

• -4z - 32

• 4z + 32

• -4z + 32

• 4z - 32

What is the simplified form of subtracting a negative number?

• Subtracting a negative is the same as subtracting a positive

• Subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive

• Subtracting a negative is the same as adding zero

• Subtracting a negative is the same as subtracting zero