The distributive property for beginners - simple lesson (grade 6-7)

This is a simplified lesson "for dummies" about the distributive property, meant for 6th grade or for anyone who has trouble understanding it. I introduce it using an area model of a two-part rectangle, and we only use it for ADDITION in this lesson (to keep things simple).

Then I simplify various algebraic expressions (easy and simple ones) using the distributive property. This process is also called removing parentheses (brackets) or multiplying out brackets.

In the second part of this lesson, I show you how to use the distributive property BACKWARDS. That process is called factoring.

See also

Math Mammoth Expressions and Equations — a short workbook where you can find worksheets that match this lesson.

Math Mammoth Grade 6 Curriculum — again, contains worksheets to match this lesson.

Math Mammoth Grade 7 curriculum (pre-algebra)

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