Common Errors in Applying the Distributive Property

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 139 views

Understanding the Distributive Property

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics that allows us to expand expressions by multiplying a single value to multiple terms. It is represented by the formula: a(b + c) = ab + ac. This property is essential in simplifying complex expressions and solving equations.

Mya's Expression

Mya applied the distributive property to write the equivalent expressions below:

${45 + 72 = 9(5 + 9)}$

Analyzing Mya's Expression

At first glance, Mya's expression appears to be correct. However, upon closer inspection, we can identify a potential error. Let's break down the expression and analyze it step by step.

Step 1: Identify the Common Factor

The first step in applying the distributive property is to identify the common factor. In this case, the common factor is 9, which is the value being multiplied to the terms inside the parentheses.

Step 2: Multiply the Common Factor to Each Term

Once we have identified the common factor, we need to multiply it to each term inside the parentheses. In this case, we multiply 9 to 5 and 9.

${9(5 + 9) = 9(5) + 9(9)}$

Step 3: Simplify the Expression

Now that we have multiplied the common factor to each term, we can simplify the expression by evaluating the products.

${9(5) + 9(9) = 45 + 81}$

Step 4: Compare the Original Expression to the Simplified Expression

Now that we have simplified the expression, we can compare it to the original expression to identify any errors.

${45 + 72 = 45 + 81}$

Mya's Error

Upon comparing the original expression to the simplified expression, we can see that Mya's error is in the value being added to 45. Instead of adding 72, Mya added 81.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mya's error was in not correctly applying the distributive property. She multiplied the common factor to each term inside the parentheses, but then added the incorrect value to 45. The correct expression should be:

${45 + 72 = 9(5 + 8)}$

Correcting Mya's Error

To correct Mya's error, we need to reapply the distributive property with the correct value inside the parentheses.

Step 1: Identify the Common Factor

The first step in correcting Mya's error is to identify the common factor. In this case, the common factor is still 9.

Step 2: Multiply the Common Factor to Each Term

Once we have identified the common factor, we need to multiply it to each term inside the parentheses. In this case, we multiply 9 to 5 and 8.

${9(5 + 8) = 9(5) + 9(8)}$

Step 3: Simplify the Expression

Now that we have multiplied the common factor to each term, we can simplify the expression by evaluating the products.

${9(5) + 9(8) = 45 + 72}$

Corrected Expression

The corrected expression is:

${45 + 72 = 9(5 + 8)}$

Conclusion

${45 + 72 = 9(5 + 8)}$

Key Takeaways

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics that allows us to expand expressions by multiplying a single value to multiple terms.
To apply the distributive property, we need to identify the common factor and multiply it to each term inside the parentheses.
We need to simplify the expression by evaluating the products and compare it to the original expression to identify any errors.

Common Errors in Applying the Distributive Property

Not identifying the common factor correctly.
Not multiplying the common factor to each term inside the parentheses.
Not simplifying the expression correctly.
Not comparing the original expression to the simplified expression to identify any errors.

Conclusion

${45 + 72 = 9(5 + 8)}$

Final Answer

The final answer is:

Understanding the Distributive Property

Q&A Session

Q: What is the distributive property?

A: The distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics that allows us to expand expressions by multiplying a single value to multiple terms.

Q: How do I apply the distributive property?

A: To apply the distributive property, you need to identify the common factor and multiply it to each term inside the parentheses. Then, simplify the expression by evaluating the products and compare it to the original expression to identify any errors.

Q: What is the common factor?

A: The common factor is the value being multiplied to the terms inside the parentheses.

Q: How do I identify the common factor?

A: To identify the common factor, look for the value that is being multiplied to each term inside the parentheses.

Q: What is the difference between the distributive property and the commutative property?

A: The distributive property allows us to expand expressions by multiplying a single value to multiple terms, while the commutative property allows us to rearrange the order of the terms in an expression.

Q: Can you give an example of the distributive property?

A: Yes, here is an example:

${9(5 + 8) = 9(5) + 9(8)}$

Q: What is Mya's error in the original expression?

A: Mya's error is in not correctly applying the distributive property. She multiplied the common factor to each term inside the parentheses, but then added the incorrect value to 45.

Q: How do I correct Mya's error?

A: To correct Mya's error, you need to reapply the distributive property with the correct value inside the parentheses.

Q: What is the corrected expression?

A: The corrected expression is:

${45 + 72 = 9(5 + 8)}$

Q: What are some common errors in applying the distributive property?

A: Some common errors in applying the distributive property include:

Not identifying the common factor correctly.
Not multiplying the common factor to each term inside the parentheses.
Not simplifying the expression correctly.
Not comparing the original expression to the simplified expression to identify any errors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics that allows us to expand expressions by multiplying a single value to multiple terms. By understanding the distributive property and applying it correctly, we can simplify complex expressions and solve equations.

Final Answer

The final answer is:

A. Mya did not write the common factor in the correct place.

Key Takeaways

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics that allows us to expand expressions by multiplying a single value to multiple terms.
To apply the distributive property, you need to identify the common factor and multiply it to each term inside the parentheses.
We need to simplify the expression by evaluating the products and compare it to the original expression to identify any errors.
Some common errors in applying the distributive property include not identifying the common factor correctly, not multiplying the common factor to each term inside the parentheses, not simplifying the expression correctly, and not comparing the original expression to the simplified expression to identify any errors.