matt grime said:
The distributive property states that when multiplying a number by a sum, the result is the same as multiplying each addend by the number and then adding the products together. In other words, a(b + c) = ab + ac.
The distributive property can also be applied to division over addition, meaning that when dividing a number by a sum, the result is the same as dividing each addend by the number and then adding the quotients together. In other words, a/(b + c) = a/b + a/c.
Division is distributive over addition because it follows the same principle as the distributive property for multiplication. When dividing a number by a sum, the division can be distributed to each addend, resulting in the same answer as when dividing by the sum altogether.
Of course! Let's say we have the expression 12/(4 + 2). Using the distributive property, we can rewrite this as 12/4 + 12/2. Simplifying, we get 3 + 6, which is equal to the original expression of 12/(4 + 2).
The distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics and is used in various equations and operations. By understanding this property, you can simplify and solve equations more efficiently, leading to a better understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.