Distributive Property of Multiplication Worksheet

Distributive Property of Multiplication

Read each question carefully and follow the instructions. Show your work for all problems.

Understanding the Distributive Property

The distributive property 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 you to multiply a sum by a number, or each   by the number and then add the products.

2. According to the distributive property, 5 × (3 + 4) is equal to (5 × 3) + (5 ×  ).

3. The distributive property helps to simplify expressions by breaking down   problems into smaller parts.

4. Which expression correctly applies the distributive property to 7 × (2 + 6)?

5. Which pair of expressions are equivalent due to the distributive property?

6. Use the distributive property to rewrite the expression: 4 × (10 + 5). Then, solve it.

7. Rewrite the expression 6 × 14 using the distributive property. (Hint: Think of 14 as 10 + 4). Then, solve it.

8. Simplify the expression (9 × 7) + (9 × 3) using the distributive property.

9. The expression 2 × (8 - 3) can be rewritten as (2 × 8) - (2 × 3).

10. The distributive property only applies to addition, not subtraction.

11. Sarah is buying 3 packs of pens. Each pack contains 5 blue pens and 7 black pens. Write an expression using the distributive property to find the total number of pens Sarah is buying. Then, solve the expression.