In this video, we will be learning about the distributive property. After you finish this lesson, view all of our Pre-Algebra and Algebra lessons and practice problems.

Distributive Property
$a(b+c)=ab+ac$
$3(x+5)=3x+15$

## Examples of Distributive Property

### Example 1

$5(4+7)$

First, we have to distribute $5$ inside the parenthesis

Now, we have

$5(4)+5(7)$

Then, we multiply

$5(4)+5(7)=20+35$

$20+35=55$

The answer is $55$

### Example 2

$3(2x^{2}+4)$

First, we have to distribute $3$ to each of the terms inside the parenthesis

Now, we have

$3(2x^{2}+4)= 3(2x^{2}) + 3(4)$

Then, we multiply

$3(2x^{2}) + 3(4)=6x^{2}+12$

The answer is $6x^{2}+12$

## Video-Lesson Transcript

In this video, we will be learning about the Distributive Property.

We have $a \big(b + c\big) = ab + ac$

So $a$ can be distributed in the Parenthesis $(b + c)$.

An example is $2 (3 + 4) = 2(3) + 2(4)$

So let’s simplify $2 (7) = 6 + 8$

So we have $14 = 14$

This is the Distributive Property.

So why do we have to learn about it?

Because it is very useful especially in Algebra.

Let’s say we have $3 (x + 5)$

We can’t add $x + 5$ since we don’t know what $x$ is.

We should distribute $3$ to get $3x + 15$.

Now, that is Distributive Property.