Distributive Property

a x (b + c) = a x b + a x c

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About This Practice

The distributive property a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c hides inside a big rectangle: split it with a divider, and its area can be computed directly as a × (b + c), or as two smaller rectangles added together, a × b + a × c. Drag the divider and watch both ways stay equal.

Drag the splitter to divide the rectangle into two parts and see how the total area remains the same.

MediumEstimated Time: 12minmultiplicationdistributive propertyalgebravisualization

How to Play

  1. Look at the big rectangle: its width is a and its length is b + c.
  2. Compute the area directly: a × (b + c).
  3. Drag the divider to split it into two smaller rectangles.
  4. Work out each small rectangle, a × b and a × c, then add them.
  5. Compare the two results — equal? Move the divider and check again.

Learning Objectives

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