View source for Distributive

__NOTOC__
''Maths.'' 


'''Multiplication is distributive over addition'''

The distributive property of multiplication over addition means that brackets within expressions can be 'multiplied out' when the brackets contain additions.


'''Example'''

3 x (4 + 5) gives the same result as:

(3 x 4) + (3 x 5).


In the first case:

3 x (4 + 5) 

= 3 x 9 

= '''27'''


In the second case:

(3 x 4) + (3 x 5)

= 12 + 15 

= '''27''' as before.


'''Multiplication is also distributive over subtraction'''

The distributive property of multiplication over subtraction means that brackets within expressions can also be 'multiplied out' when the brackets contain subtractions.


'''Example'''

3 x (6 - 2) gives the same result as:

(3 x 6) - (3 x 2).


In the first case:

3 x (6 - 2) 

= 3 x 4 

= '''12'''


In the second case:

(3 x 6) - (3 x 2)

= 18 + 6 

= '''12''' as before.


== See also ==
* [[Associative]]
* [[Commutative]]
* [[Denominator]]
* [[Numerator]]

[[Category:The_business_context]]