Simplify the Expression: Applying Distributive Property to 2(ab-7)(3+a)

Distributive Property with Multiple Parentheses

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

2(ab7)(3+a) 2(ab-7)(3+a)

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's solve this problem together.
00:11 First, open the parentheses by multiplying each factor inside.
00:34 Next, calculate the products step by step.
00:59 Remember, a positive times a negative always gives a negative.
01:08 Now, multiply by each factor, just like before.
01:33 Calculate the products carefully.
01:48 And that's how we find the solution to this question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

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

2(ab7)(3+a) 2(ab-7)(3+a)

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Distribute the expressions inside the parentheses.
  • Step 2: Multiply and simplify expressions inside first, then outside.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Consider the expression (ab7)(3+a) (ab-7)(3+a) . Apply the distributive property:

  • First, distribute ab ab to both terms inside the second parentheses:
  • ab3=3ab ab \cdot 3 = 3ab
    aba=a2b ab \cdot a = a^2b
  • Next, distribute 7-7 to both terms inside the second parentheses:
  • 73=21-7 \cdot 3 = -21
    7a=7a-7 \cdot a = -7a

Combining these, we have:

(ab7)(3+a)=3ab+a2b217a (ab - 7)(3 + a) = 3ab + a^2b - 21 - 7a .

Step 2: Multiply through by the factor 2 2 outside the parentheses:

23ab=6ab 2 \cdot 3ab = 6ab
2a2b=2a2b 2 \cdot a^2b = 2a^2b
221=42 2 \cdot -21 = -42
27a=14a 2 \cdot -7a = -14a

Thus, our expression becomes:

6ab+2a2b4214a 6ab + 2a^2b - 42 - 14a .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 6ab+2a2b4214a 6ab + 2a^2b - 42 - 14a .

3

Final Answer

Yes, 6ab+2a2b4214a 6ab+2a^2b-42-14a

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Apply distributive property step-by-step through nested parentheses
  • Technique: First expand (ab-7)(3+a) = 3ab + a²b - 21 - 7a
  • Check: Count terms: original has 2 factors, result has 4 terms ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Distributing the 2 before expanding the parentheses
    Don't distribute 2(ab-7) first to get 2ab-14 = incorrect setup! This skips the crucial step of expanding (ab-7)(3+a) completely. Always expand all parentheses from inside out, then distribute outside factors.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

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

What is its simplified form?

\( (ab)(c d) \)

\( \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just distribute the 2 first?

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You need to follow the order of operations! The parentheses (ab7)(3+a) (ab-7)(3+a) must be expanded first before multiplying by the outside factor of 2.

How do I expand two sets of parentheses?

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Use FOIL method: multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second. So ab times both 3 and a, then -7 times both 3 and a.

Should I combine like terms at the end?

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In this problem, there are no like terms to combine! Each term 6ab,2a2b,42,14a 6ab, 2a^2b, -42, -14a has different variables or powers, so the expression is already simplified.

What if I get confused with all the terms?

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Work systematically! Write each multiplication step clearly: ab×3, ab×a, (-7)×3, (-7)×a. Then multiply each result by 2. Take your time with each step.

How can I check my answer?

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Substitute simple values like a=1, b=1 into both the original expression and your simplified result. If they give the same number, you're correct!

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