Distributive Property & Like Terms
📋 What it is
a(b + c) = ab + ac — multiply the outside by each inside term; combine like terms after.
🗣️ Coach says
The distributive property shares a multiplier across a bracket: 3(x + 2) = 3x + 6. Then "like terms" (same letter, same power) can be added: 3x + 2x = 5x. These two moves clear the way to solve.
🧠 Memory hook
Distribute = give the outside number to EVERYONE inside the bracket. Then combine same-letter terms.
😂 Giggle
Why was the negative number always so misunderstood?
Because everyone thought it was less than nothing, but it was actually a whole number with a sign!
😲 Whoa!
The distributive property is why 6 × 47 is easy in your head: 6 × 47 = 6 × 40 + 6 × 7 = 240 + 42 = 282.
✅ Quick check: Expand 3(x + 2).
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
3x + 6 — multiply 3 by x and by 2.
The distributive property applies the outside factor to each term inside.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Compute 4 × 23 by splitting: 4 × 20 + 4 × 3. That IS the distributive property.