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How to Rewrite Multiplication Problems Using the Distributive Property

The distributive property simplifies the multiplication of large numbers and complicated algebraic equations. The name is an indication of its function. It "distributes" the multiplier over a large multiplicand by breaking up the multiplicand into smaller parts and multiplying each part, then adding the results to get the final answer. Mental multiplication becomes a much simpler operation with the use of the distributive property.

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Instructions

- 1
  Break up the multiplicand (number to be multiplied) into its parts. For example, consider the problem 67 * 9. The answer is 603.
- 2
  Rewrite the number in its smaller parts. Sixty-seven can also be written as 60 + 7,so the problem becomes 9 * (60 + 7).
- 3
  Distribute the multiplier to the parts. So write 60 * 9 and 7 * 9. Add the two results to get the final answer: 60 * 9 = 540, and 7 * 9 = 63. Adding the two, you get 603. The answer checks out.
- 4
  Take a larger number, say 373 * 2. Break it up, using the distributive property. So you get 300 * 2 + 70 * 2 + 3 * 2. So 300 * 2 = 600, 70 * 2 = 140 and 3 * 2 = 6. Adding all the figures together, you get 600 + 140 + 6 = 746. Crosscheck your answer by multiplying 373 by 2. The answer is 746.

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