FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What is the formula for the distributive property?

1. a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c

2. a(b + c) = ab + ac

3. a + 0 = a

4. a x (1/a) = 1

The correct answer is: a(b + c) = ab + ac

The distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics that describes how multiplication interacts with addition. The correct formulation expresses that when a number is multiplied by a sum, you can distribute the multiplication across each term in the sum. In this case, using the notation, when we have a multiplied by the sum of b and c, this can be rewritten as the sum of a times b and a times c. Thus, the formula a(b + c) = ab + ac correctly illustrates this property, showcasing how to break down and simplify expressions involving multiplication and addition. Understanding the distributive property is essential, as it allows for easier calculations and is widely applicable in algebra for simplifying expressions and solving equations.