➕ Algebra 1 · Equations
The Distributive Property flashcards
Say the answer out loud before you flip. Cards you miss come back sooner; cards you know come back later. That spacing is what builds long-term memory.
All 13 flashcards at a glance
Card 1
State the distributive property.
a(b + c) = ab + ac. The outside number multiplies every term inside.
Card 2
Expand 3(x + 8).
3x + 24
Card 3
Expand 7(y − 2).
7y − 14
Card 4
Expand −3(x + 4).
−3x − 12
Card 5
Expand −5(2x − 1).
−10x + 5
Card 6
Expand −(x − 6).
−x + 6. The minus sign multiplies by −1, so every sign inside flips.
Card 7
Factor 9x + 15.
3(3x + 5). The number 3 is the greatest common factor of 9 and 15.
Card 8
Use the property to find 8 × 53 in your head.
8(50 + 3) = 400 + 24 = 424
Card 9
Expand (1/2)(8x + 6).
4x + 3
Card 10
Expand 2x(x − 5).
2x2 − 10x
Card 11
Expand 3(4x). Why is there nothing to distribute?
3(4x) = 12x. There is only one term inside (a product), so you multiply once.
Card 12
What does it mean to factor, in terms of the distributive property?
Run it backward: pull out a common factor, ab + ac = a(b + c).
Card 13
Why check an expansion with a test number like x = 3?
If the original and your answer give different values, there is a mistake. If they match, you are probably right (one match is a good sign, not a proof). Skip 0, 1 and 2, which can make a wrong answer look right.