Simplify a(b+c): Using the Distributive Property in Algebra

Question

It is possible to use the distributive property to simplify the expression

a(b+c) a(b+c)

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the problem and apply the distributive property correctly, follow these steps:

  • Identify the expression, which is a(b+c) a(b+c) .
  • Apply the distributive property: multiply a a by each term inside the parentheses.

Applying this, we get:

  • a×b=ab a \times b = ab
  • a×c=ac a \times c = ac

Combine these two products:

The simplified expression is: ab+ac ab + ac .

This matches with answer choice 2: Yes, the answer ab+ac ab+ac .

Answer

Yes, the answer ab+ac ab+ac