Identify the value being distributed

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 145 views

Understanding the Distributive Property

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to simplify complex expressions by distributing a single value to multiple terms inside parentheses. This property is represented by the formula: a(b + c) = ab + ac, where 'a' is the value being distributed and 'b' and 'c' are the terms inside the parentheses.

Applying the Distributive Property to the Given Expression

To simplify the expression $12(5y + 4)$ , we will use the distributive property to distribute the value 12 to both terms inside the parentheses. This means we will multiply 12 by 5y and 12 by 4.

Step 1: Multiply 12 by 5y

When we multiply 12 by 5y, we get 60y. This is because 12 multiplied by 5 equals 60, and 60 multiplied by y equals 60y.

Step 2: Multiply 12 by 4

When we multiply 12 by 4, we get 48. This is because 12 multiplied by 4 equals 48.

Step 3: Combine the Results

Now that we have multiplied 12 by both terms inside the parentheses, we can combine the results to simplify the expression. This gives us 60y + 48.

Conclusion

By applying the distributive property to the given expression $12(5y + 4)$ , we have simplified it to $60y + 48$ . This is the correct answer.

Comparison with the Options

Let's compare our answer with the options provided:

Option A: $60y + 16$
Option B: $125y + 124$
Option C: $60y + 48$
Option D: $60y + 4$

Our answer, $60y + 48$ , matches option C. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Real-World Applications of the Distributive Property

The distributive property has numerous real-world applications in various fields, including:

Business: When calculating the total cost of a product, the distributive property can be used to simplify complex expressions and find the final cost.
Science: In physics and engineering, the distributive property is used to simplify complex equations and find the final solution.
Finance: When calculating interest rates and investments, the distributive property can be used to simplify complex expressions and find the final result.

Tips for Simplifying Expressions Using the Distributive Property

Here are some tips for simplifying expressions using the distributive property:

Identify the value being distributed: The first step in simplifying an expression using the distributive property is to identify the value being distributed.
Distribute the value to each term: Once you have identified the value being distributed, multiply it by each term inside the parentheses.
Combine the results: Finally, combine the results to simplify the expression.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions using the distributive property:

Not identifying the value being distributed: Failing to identify the value being distributed can lead to incorrect simplification of the expression.
Not distributing the value to each term: Failing to distribute the value to each term can lead to incorrect simplification of the expression.
Not combining the results: Failing to combine the results can lead to incorrect simplification of the expression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to simplify complex expressions by distributing a single value to multiple terms inside parentheses. By applying the distributive property to the given expression $12(5y + 4)$ , we have simplified it to $60y + 48$ . This is the correct answer. The distributive property has numerous real-world applications in various fields, including business, science, and finance. By following the tips and avoiding common mistakes, we can simplify expressions using the distributive property with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the distributive property?

A: The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to simplify complex expressions by distributing a single value to multiple terms inside parentheses. This property is represented by the formula: a(b + c) = ab + ac, where 'a' is the value being distributed and 'b' and 'c' are the terms inside the parentheses.

Q: How do I apply the distributive property to simplify an expression?

A: To apply the distributive property, identify the value being distributed and multiply it by each term inside the parentheses. Then, combine the results to simplify the expression.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions using the distributive property?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Not identifying the value being distributed
Not distributing the value to each term
Not combining the results

Q: Can you give an example of how to simplify an expression using the distributive property?

A: Let's simplify the expression $12(5y + 4)$ . To do this, we will multiply 12 by 5y and 12 by 4. This gives us 60y + 48.

Q: What are some real-world applications of the distributive property?

A: The distributive property has numerous real-world applications in various fields, including:

Business: When calculating the total cost of a product, the distributive property can be used to simplify complex expressions and find the final cost.
Science: In physics and engineering, the distributive property is used to simplify complex equations and find the final solution.
Finance: When calculating interest rates and investments, the distributive property can be used to simplify complex expressions and find the final result.

Q: How do I know which option is correct when simplifying an expression using the distributive property?

A: To determine which option is correct, compare your answer with the options provided. If your answer matches one of the options, then that is the correct answer.

Q: Can you give some tips for simplifying expressions using the distributive property?

A: Here are some tips for simplifying expressions using the distributive property:

Identify the value being distributed
Distribute the value to each term
Combine the results
Check your answer against the options provided

Q: What are some common expressions that can be simplified using the distributive property?

A: Some common expressions that can be simplified using the distributive property include:

$a(b + c)$
$a(b - c)$
$a(b + c + d)$
$a(b - c + d)$

Q: Can you give an example of how to simplify an expression with multiple terms inside the parentheses?

A: Let's simplify the expression $12(5y + 4 + 2x)$ . To do this, we will multiply 12 by 5y, 12 by 4, and 12 by 2x. This gives us 60y + 48 + 24x.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions with multiple terms inside the parentheses?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Not identifying the value being distributed
Not distributing the value to each term
Not combining the results
Not checking the answer against the options provided

Q: Can you give some examples of how to simplify expressions with variables inside the parentheses?

A: Let's simplify the expression $12(2x + 5y)$ . To do this, we will multiply 12 by 2x and 12 by 5y. This gives us 24x + 60y.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying expressions with variables inside the parentheses?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Not identifying the value being distributed
Not distributing the value to each term
Not combining the results
Not checking the answer against the options provided