SOLUTION: I dont really understand the distributive property, can you explain it to me

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Question 56422This question is from textbook Pre-Algebra Prentice Hall
: I dont really understand the distributive property, can you explain it to meThis question is from textbook Pre-Algebra Prentice Hall

Answer by Cintchr(475) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The distributive proprety is basically saying, take the value that is outside the ( ) and multiply it by what is inside the ( )

For example:
3( 12 + 45 ) = x
(3 * 12) + (3 * 45) = x
36 + 135 = x
171 = x

Now, the reason we dont add what is inside and then multiply, is that sometimes the number in the ( ) is actually a variable.
3( 12 + x ) = y
(3 * 12 ) + 3x = y
36 + 3x = y