You can put this solution on YOUR website! Distributing is when you have an expression such as 3(2+5). You have to multiply both numbers inside the parentheses by the number outside the parentheses. so you get 6+15. In 7+7y, they are just asking you to go backwards, factor it. They both have 7, so the number seven will be outside of the parentheses. . Then figure out 7 times what is seven. One, so becomes . Then figure out 7 times who is 7y. You should get y. So becomes . You wanna check? Distribute by multiplying both numbers inside the parentheses by the number outside the parentheses. Did you get 7+7y? Good.