The Distributive Property Formula

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 87 views

Understanding the Distributive Property

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to expand and simplify expressions involving multiple terms. In this article, we will explore the distributive property and apply it to simplify the given expression (g+h)(p+q-r).

The Distributive Property Formula

The distributive property formula states that for any real numbers a, b, and c:

a(b+c) = ab + ac

This formula can be extended to include more than two terms:

a(b+c+d) = ab + ac + ad

Applying the Distributive Property to the Given Expression

To simplify the expression (g+h)(p+q-r), we will apply the distributive property by multiplying each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses.

(g+h)(p+q-r) = g(p+q-r) + h(p+q-r)

Expanding the Expression

Now, we will expand the expression by applying the distributive property to each term:

g(p+q-r) = gp + gq - gr

h(p+q-r) = hp + hq - hr

Combining Like Terms

We can now combine like terms to simplify the expression:

gp + gq - gr + hp + hq - hr

Simplifying the Expression

By combining like terms, we can simplify the expression to:

gp + gq - gr + hp + hq - hr

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distributive property of algebra allows us to simplify complex expressions by expanding and combining like terms. By applying the distributive property to the given expression (g+h)(p+q-r), we can simplify it to gp + gq - gr + hp + hq - hr.

Answer Key

The correct answer is D. gp + gq - gr + hp + hq - hr.

Common Mistakes

When simplifying expressions using the distributive property, it's essential to remember to:

Multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses
Combine like terms to simplify the expression
Check your work to ensure that the expression is simplified correctly

Real-World Applications

The distributive property of algebra has numerous real-world applications, including:

Simplifying complex expressions in physics and engineering
Solving systems of linear equations in economics and finance
Modeling population growth and decay in biology and medicine

Tips and Tricks

When working with the distributive property, it's essential to:

Use parentheses to group terms correctly
Apply the distributive property to each term in the first parentheses
Combine like terms to simplify the expression
Check your work to ensure that the expression is simplified correctly

Practice Problems

To practice simplifying expressions using the distributive property, try the following problems:

Simplify the expression (2x+3)(x+2)
Simplify the expression (x+2)(x-3)
Simplify the expression (3x+2)(x+1)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distributive property of algebra is a powerful tool for simplifying complex expressions. By applying the distributive property to the given expression (g+h)(p+q-r), we can simplify it to gp + gq - gr + hp + hq - hr. Remember to use parentheses to group terms correctly, apply the distributive property to each term in the first parentheses, combine like terms to simplify the expression, and check your work to ensure that the expression is simplified correctly.

Q: What is the distributive property of algebra?

A: The distributive property of algebra is a fundamental concept that allows us to expand and simplify expressions involving multiple terms. It states that for any real numbers a, b, and c:

a(b+c) = ab + ac

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

A: To apply the distributive property, you need to multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses. For example, to simplify the expression (g+h)(p+q-r), you would multiply g by p, g by q, g by -r, h by p, h by q, and h by -r.

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

A: The distributive property and the commutative property are two separate concepts in algebra. The distributive property allows us to expand and simplify expressions involving multiple terms, while the commutative property states that the order of the terms does not change the result. For example, a(b+c) = b(a+c) = c(a+b).

Q: Can I use the distributive property to simplify expressions with more than two terms?

A: Yes, you can use the distributive property to simplify expressions with more than two terms. For example, to simplify the expression (a+b+c)(d+e+f), you would multiply a by d, a by e, a by f, b by d, b by e, b by f, c by d, c by e, and c by f.

Q: How do I know when to use the distributive property to simplify an expression?

A: You should use the distributive property to simplify an expression when it involves multiple terms and you need to expand and simplify it. For example, if you have an expression like (g+h)(p+q-r), you would use the distributive property to simplify it.

Q: Can I use the distributive property to simplify expressions with variables and constants?

A: Yes, you can use the distributive property to simplify expressions with variables and constants. For example, to simplify the expression (2x+3)(x+2), you would multiply 2x by x, 2x by 2, 3 by x, and 3 by 2.

Q: How do I check my work when simplifying an expression using the distributive property?

A: To check your work, you should:

Multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses
Combine like terms to simplify the expression
Check that the expression is simplified correctly

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

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using the distributive property include:

Not multiplying each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses
Not combining like terms to simplify the expression
Not checking that the expression is simplified correctly

Q: Can I use the distributive property to simplify expressions with fractions?

A: Yes, you can use the distributive property to simplify expressions with fractions. For example, to simplify the expression (1/2x+3/4)(x+2), you would multiply 1/2x by x, 1/2x by 2, 3/4 by x, and 3/4 by 2.

Q: How do I apply the distributive property to simplify expressions with exponents?

A: To apply the distributive property to simplify expressions with exponents, you need to multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses, taking into account the exponents. For example, to simplify the expression (2^x+3)(2x+2), you would multiply 2^x by 2^x, 2^x by 2, 3 by 2^x, and 3 by 2.

Q: Can I use the distributive property to simplify expressions with radicals?

A: Yes, you can use the distributive property to simplify expressions with radicals. For example, to simplify the expression (√x+3)(√x+2), you would multiply √x by √x, √x by 2, 3 by √x, and 3 by 2.

Q: How do I apply the distributive property to simplify expressions with absolute values?

A: To apply the distributive property to simplify expressions with absolute values, you need to multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses, taking into account the absolute values. For example, to simplify the expression (|x|+3)(|x|+2), you would multiply |x| by |x|, |x| by 2, 3 by |x|, and 3 by 2.