Distributive property - Common factoring - IntoMath

In this lesson we are discovering the distributive property of multiplication, as well as common factoring.

According to the distributive property, a(b + c) = ab + bc.

When multiplying the sum or difference of two terms by another term, it is possible to find the product of each pair of terms first and then add/subtract them.

This is how we expand brackets and simplify algebraic expressions.

​Distributive property is used to simplify expressions, solve equations and word problems. It is a part of virtually every math course in high school and the skill is transferable to other concepts.

​The opposite (inverse) operation to distribution is common factoring.

This is when we are given the expanded form of an algebraic expression and need to determine the Greatest Common Factor, that all the other terms of the expression are divisible by – the term that goes outside of the brackets.

​For a more detailed explanation of these processes with examples watch the video lesson above, then check out the accompanying note and complete additional math practice on this topic.

More free math help and activities: intomath.org