-x-4-distributive-property.jpeg "(6m-7) X 4 Distributive Property")
Using the Distributive Property with (6m - 7) x 4
The distributive property is a fundamental concept in algebra that allows us to simplify expressions involving multiplication. It states that multiplying a sum or difference by a number is the same as multiplying each term of the sum or difference by that number.
Let's break down how to apply the distributive property to the expression (6m - 7) x 4:
1. Identify the terms: The expression contains two terms: 6m and -7.
2. Distribute the multiplication: Multiply each term inside the parentheses by 4:
- (6m) x 4 = 24m
- (-7) x 4 = -28
3. Combine the results: The simplified expression after applying the distributive property is: 24m - 28.
Example:
Let's say we want to find the value of the expression when m = 2. We can substitute this value into the original expression or the simplified one:
- Original expression: (6(2) - 7) x 4 = (12 - 7) x 4 = 5 x 4 = 20
- Simplified expression: 24(2) - 28 = 48 - 28 = 20
Key takeaways:
- The distributive property allows us to simplify complex expressions by breaking them down into smaller, easier-to-manage pieces.
- Remember to multiply each term inside the parentheses by the factor outside.
- The distributive property is a valuable tool for solving equations and manipulating algebraic expressions.