The Distributive Property of Multiplication

Summary
This lesson introduces students to the Distributive Property of Multiplication.

Objectives
• To be able to explain the Distributive Property of Multiplication.

• To be able to identify when the Distributive Property is being used in a math problem.

Suggested Grades
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade

Excerpt
The Distributive Property of Multiplication is a little more complex than the Commutative and Associate Properties of Multiplication. The Distributive Property states that when a sum is multiplied by a number, you have two choices:

1. You can multiply each addend by the number and then add the products, or
2. You can add the addends and then multiply.

Either way, the Distributive Property tells us that the answer will be the same.

Continued...