📚 The Distributive Property
The Rule
a(b + c) = ab + ac
Multiply the number outside the parentheses by every term inside.
1
Multiply the first term inside by the number outside.
3(x + 4) → 3 × x = 3x
2
Multiply the second term inside by the number outside.
3(x + 4) → 3 × 4 = 12
3
Keep the sign between the terms the same.
3(x + 4) = 3x + 12
Watch the Negatives
When the number outside is negative, every term inside flips its sign.
1
-2(x + 4) → -2 × x = -2x
and -2 × 4 = -8
2
Final answer:
-2(x + 4) = -2x - 8
Worked Example: Distribute + Combine Like Terms
Simplify: 3(x + 2) + 4x
1
Distribute first: 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6
3
Combine the like terms (3x and 4x): 7x + 6