Distributive Property of Multiplication

Distributive Property of Multiplication

Read each question carefully and use the distributive property of multiplication to solve it. Show your work where indicated.

The distributive property helps us multiply larger numbers by breaking them into smaller, easier-to-multiply parts. It states that multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each addend by the number and then adding the products. For example: a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c).

1. The distributive property allows us to break apart a   to make multiplication easier.

2. In the expression 4 × (5 + 2), the numbers 5 and 2 are called  .

3. According to the distributive property, 6 × (3 + 4) is equal to (6 × 3) + (6 ×  ).

4. Which expression correctly shows the distributive property for 7 × 12?

5. Which equation demonstrates the distributive property?

6. Use the distributive property to solve 5 × 14. Show your steps.

7. Break apart the number 16 into two addends to solve 8 × 16 using the distributive property. Show your work.

8. Draw an array that represents 3 × (2 + 4). Then, draw two separate arrays to show (3 × 2) + (3 × 4) and verify your answer.

9. 9 × (10 + 1) is the same as (9 × 10) + (9 × 1).

10. The expression (2 × 6) + (2 × 3) can be rewritten as 2 × (6 × 3).