(3−8y)⋅(−2.5) Distributive Property

Jasonbradley

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Jun 16, 2024

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Understanding the Distributive Property with (3−8y)⋅(−2.5)

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to simplify expressions involving multiplication and addition or subtraction. This property states that multiplying a sum or difference by a number is the same as multiplying each term inside the parentheses by that number.

Let's apply this to the expression (3−8y)⋅(−2.5).

Breaking it Down

1. Identify the terms: In the expression, we have two terms inside the parentheses: 3 and -8y.

2. Multiply each term by the factor: We multiply -2.5 by both 3 and -8y:

   • -2.5 * 3 = -7.5
   • -2.5 * -8y = 20y

3. Combine the results: We add the two products together: -7.5 + 20y

The Final Result

Therefore, applying the distributive property to (3−8y)⋅(−2.5) gives us -7.5 + 20y. This is the simplified form of the expression.

Key Takeaways

• The distributive property allows us to simplify expressions by multiplying each term inside parentheses separately.
• It's crucial to remember to distribute the factor to all terms within the parentheses.
• Pay attention to the signs of the terms when multiplying, as they can affect the final result.

By understanding and applying the distributive property, we can effectively manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions, making calculations and problem-solving easier.