When applying the distributive property, what operation do you perform first?

When applying the distributive property, what operation do you perform first?

• A. Add the numbers
• B. Multiply outside the parentheses
• C. Do what's inside the parentheses
• D. Subtract the numbers

Answer: (C)

When applying the distributive property, the first step is to focus on what's inside the parentheses, as this sets the foundation for the distribution process. The distributive property states that when you have an expression like \( a(b + c) \), you first deal with the multiplication of each term within the parentheses by the factor outside. However, before you can distribute effectively, it's essential to understand the structure of the expression inside the parentheses. By performing the operation inside the parentheses first—if necessary, such as simplifying or evaluating the expression—you clarify what needs to be multiplied. Once the internal expression is understood, you can then apply multiplication to distribute the term outside the parentheses appropriately. This step-wise approach ensures both accuracy and clarity in applying the distributive property to solve algebraic expressions.

When applying the distributive property, the first step is to focus on what's inside the parentheses, as this sets the foundation for the distribution process. The distributive property states that when you have an expression like ( a(b + c) ), you first deal with the multiplication of each term within the parentheses by the factor outside. However, before you can distribute effectively, it's essential to understand the structure of the expression inside the parentheses.

By performing the operation inside the parentheses first—if necessary, such as simplifying or evaluating the expression—you clarify what needs to be multiplied. Once the internal expression is understood, you can then apply multiplication to distribute the term outside the parentheses appropriately. This step-wise approach ensures both accuracy and clarity in applying the distributive property to solve algebraic expressions.