Question 657880
a(x+y)=ax+ay

That's the distributive property. You change one side to the other many times when trying to simplify an equation. 


Eg. Simplify:
2(x-3)

Answer: 2x-6

That's the distributive property.


You could use it in reverse if you are trying to take an expression and rewrite it in it's factors.

Eg. Rewrite 2x-6 as two factors:
Answer 2(x-3)


This is a try. Ask your teacher to go over it with you. They are there because they want to teach.