Expressions

The Distributive Property

Expand a product by multiplying the factor outside the parentheses by each term inside.

distribute a(b + c) = ab + ac. Multiply the outer factor by every term inside the parentheses, then combine any like terms.

Example

Multiply the outside factor by each term inside parentheses.

highlighted = computed this step

Step 1 — Set up

Set up the expression.

3(2x−4)3 ( 2x - 4 )
3 copies of (2x - 4)3 copies2x-42x-42x-46x-12

Step 2 — Multiply x term

Distribute to x: 3 x 2 = 6.

3×2x=6x3 \times 2x = \hlmath{6x}
3 x 2x = 6x3 copies2x-42x-42x-46x-12

Step 3 — Multiply constant

Distribute to the constant: 3 x 4 = 12.

3×4=123 \times 4 = \hl{12}
3 x 4 = 123 copies2x-42x-42x-46x-12

Step 4 — Result

Read the final result.

6x−126x - 12
6x - 123 copies2x-42x-42x-46x-12