The distributive property is a mathematical rule that allows us to multiply a number by a sum or difference. It states that for any numbers a, b, and c: a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c). This property helps us simplify calculations and solve equations more efficiently.
To find missing expressions using the distributive property, you can break down an equation into two parts and then solve for one of them. For example, if you have an equation like 4 × (7 + x) = 48, you can distribute 4 across (7 + x) to get 28 + 4x = 48. Then you can solve for x by subtracting 28 from both sides and dividing by 4.
Yes, you can break an expression in different ways using the distributive property. For example, if you have an equation like 3 × (4 + 2), you can distribute 3 across (4 + 2) to get (3 × 4) + (3 × 2). However, you can also distribute 3 across just one part of the expression, like this: (3 × 4) + (3 × 2). Both approaches will give you the same result.
