Unit 6 · Standard 6.EE.3
The Distributive Property
Key Vocabulary Level 1 support
Picture first, then the word, then a plain-language meaning. Say each word out loud.
3(4 + 5) = 3×4 + 3×5 = 12 + 15 = 27 — the 3 gets 'distributed' to both the 4 and the 5
Distributive Property
Multiplying a number by everything inside the parentheses: a(b + c) = ab + ac.
In 3(x + 2), the 3 is the factor outside the parentheses that multiplies each term inside
Factor
A number that gets multiplied by another number.
Expand 2(n + 6): multiply 2 × n = 2n and 2 × 6 = 12, so 2(n + 6) = 2n + 12
Expand
To multiply out the parentheses in an expression.
3(x + 4) and 3x + 12 always give the same answer: when x = 2, both = 18; when x = 10, both = 42
Equivalent
Expressions that always have the same value.
In 6x + 15, the coefficient of x is 6 — it came from distributing in 3(2x + 5)
Coefficient
The number in front of a letter, like the 3 in 3x.
4x + 2x = 6x (combine coefficients); 4x + 2y cannot be combined (different variables)
Like terms
Terms with the same letter, like 2x and 5x.
Key Ideas & Notes
- You're selling concert bundles at the music studio.
- Each bundle includes a ticket ($15) and a snack ($5).
- If 3 people each buy a bundle, you can calculate the total as 3(15 + 5) OR as 3 × 15 + 3 × 5.
- Either way, the total is the same — $60!
- Expand each expression using the distributive property. Then simplify to find the value.
Think About It
- Why do both methods give the same total?
- What does the 3 represent in 3(15 + 5)?
- How is 3(15 + 5) related to 3 × 15 + 3 × 5?
My Notes
Guided Examples
Example 1
Expand 6(n + 3) using the distributive property.
Solution: 6(n + 3) = 6 × n + 6 × 3 = 6n + 18.
Answer: A. 6n + 18
Example 2
Expand 4(5 − 2) using the distributive property.
Solution: 4(5 − 2) = 4 × 5 − 4 × 2 = 20 − 8 = 12.
Answer: A. 12
Example 3
Expand 3(x + 4) using the distributive property.
Solution: 3(x + 4) = 3 × x + 3 × 4 = 3x + 12.
Answer: A. 3x + 12
Write About the Math The Writing Revolution
I can explain my steps using the words distributive property, factor, expand, and equivalent.
1. Kernel Sentence subject + verb
Model: Distributive Property is multiplying a number by everything inside the parentheses: a(b + c) = ab + ac.Propiedad distributiva es multiplicar un número por todo lo que está dentro del paréntesis: a(b + c) = ab + ac.
Write a kernel sentence about distributive property. Use a subject and a verb.Escribe una oración base sobre propiedad distributiva. Usa un sujeto y un verbo.
2. Sentence Expansion because · but · so
Kernel: Distributive Property matters in mathPropiedad distributiva importa en matemáticas
Expand the kernel three ways. Add a reason, a contrast, and a result.
Distributive Property matters in math because ___.Propiedad distributiva importa en matemáticas porque ___.
Distributive Property matters in math, but ___.Propiedad distributiva importa en matemáticas, pero ___.
Distributive Property matters in math, so ___.Propiedad distributiva importa en matemáticas, entonces ___.
3. Sentence Types 4 ways to write a math idea
Tell one true fact about distributive property.Di un hecho verdadero sobre distributive property.
Distributive property ___.
Ask a question about distributive property.Haz una pregunta sobre distributive property.
How does ___ ?¿Cómo ___ ?
Show excitement about distributive property.Muestra entusiasmo sobre distributive property.
Wow, ___ !¡Guau, ___ !
Tell a partner what to do with distributive property.Dile a un compañero qué hacer con distributive property.
First, ___ .Primero, ___ .
4. Explain Your Reasoning use a sentence starter
I distributed the ___ to ___.Distribuí el ___ a ___.
So ___ equals ___.Entonces ___ es igual a ___.
This helps when ___.Esto ayuda cuando ___.
Try It
Solve on your own. Check the answer key when you are done.
1. Expand 3(x + 4) using the distributive property.
- 3x + 12
- 3x + 4
- x + 12
- 7x
2. When using the distributive property with a(b + c), you must multiply 'a' by:
- Both b and c
- Only b
- Only c
- b + c first, then multiply
Stretch Your Thinking Level 2 enrichment
Challenge task — explain your reasoning in full sentences.
Use the distributive property to explain why 6 × 98 can be calculated as 6 × 100 − 6 × 2 = 588. Then create your own example of using the distributive property to make multiplication easier.
Sentence starter: 6 × 98 = 6(100 − 2) = 6 × ___ − 6 × ___ = ___ − ___ = ___. My example: ___ × ___ = ___(___ ± ___) = ___.
Reflect — Exit Ticket
Which expression is equivalent to 7(x + 3)?
- 7x + 21
- 7x + 3
- x + 21
- 7x + 10
Answer Key & Teacher Guide
- Try It 1: A. 3x + 12 — 3(x + 4) = 3 × x + 3 × 4 = 3x + 12.
- Try It 2: A. Both b and c — The distributive property says a(b + c) = ab + ac. You multiply the outside factor by EACH term inside the parentheses.
- Exit Ticket: A. 7x + 21 — 7(x + 3) = 7 × x + 7 × 3 = 7x + 21.
Writing (TWR) — what to look for
- Kernel sentence: A complete sentence needs a subject and a verb. Example: Distributive Property is multiplying a number by everything inside the parentheses: a(b + c) = ab + ac.
- Expansion: because gives a reason, but shows a contrast or exception, so shows a result. Answers vary; each must keep the kernel idea and add the correct kind of detail.
- Sentence types: Statement ends with a period, question with "?", exclamation with "!", and a command starts with an action verb (a "bossy" verb).