Section 1
Distributive Property with Variables
Property
When multiplying a number by a sum or difference in parentheses, you can distribute the multiplication to each term inside the parentheses.
For algebraic expressions:
In this Grade 6 lesson from Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, students learn the Distributive Property and how it applies to both arithmetic and algebra, including the rules a(b + c) = ab + ac and a(b − c) = ab − ac. Students practice using the property as a mental math strategy for multiplying multi-digit numbers and mixed numbers, then extend the skill to simplifying algebraic expressions such as 4(n + 5) and 12(2y − 3). The lesson aligns with Common Core standards 6.NS.4, 6.EE.3, and 6.EE.4 within the Algebraic Expressions and Properties chapter.
Section 1
Distributive Property with Variables
When multiplying a number by a sum or difference in parentheses, you can distribute the multiplication to each term inside the parentheses.
For algebraic expressions:
Section 2
Combining Like Terms
Like terms are terms that involve the same variable raised to the same exponent. Constants are also like terms.
The importance of distinguishing like terms is that they can be combined to make the expression easier to read and compute, a process called simplifying.
Combining like terms is like organizing your toys. You can put all the toy cars together and all the building blocks together, but you can't mix them. In math, you add or subtract terms with the same variable part.
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Section 1
Distributive Property with Variables
When multiplying a number by a sum or difference in parentheses, you can distribute the multiplication to each term inside the parentheses.
For algebraic expressions:
Section 2
Combining Like Terms
Like terms are terms that involve the same variable raised to the same exponent. Constants are also like terms.
The importance of distinguishing like terms is that they can be combined to make the expression easier to read and compute, a process called simplifying.
Combining like terms is like organizing your toys. You can put all the toy cars together and all the building blocks together, but you can't mix them. In math, you add or subtract terms with the same variable part.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter