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Distributive Property

Definition Of Distributive Property

Distributive Property states that the product of a number and a sum is equal to the sum of the individual products of the addends and the number. 
That is, a(b + c) = ab + ac
a(b + c) = ab + ac is known as left distributive
(b + c)a = ba + ca is known as right distributive

More About Distributive Property

The property is true for any number of addends.
That is, a(b + c + d + . . . .) = ab + ac + ad + . . . . . 
Also, 
a(b - c) = ab - ac and a (b - c - d - . . . ) = ab - ac - ad - . . .

Example of Distributive Property

5(3 + 1) = 5 x 3 + 5 x 1
Consider LHS: 5(3 + 1) = 5(4) = 20
Consider RHS: 5 x 3 + 5 x 1 = 15 + 5 = 20
LHS = RHS