what is the factor of 4x7=(4x_)+(4x2)

Question

Need help with math homework for my 4th grader

Answer 1

Factors may be multiplied to produce terms.  Terms are added in expressions. Expressions are often set equal in equations.

 

In this problem 4, 7, 4, _, 4, 2  are factors.       (assuming x means multiply for 4th grade)

 

The product (that means multiply) of 4 and 7 is the same as the sum of the product of 4 and _ plus the product of 4 and 2.  The _ must be 5.  The equation becomes:

           4*7 = (4*5) + (4*2)       [note: I use * for multiply]

 

This illustrates the distributive property of multiplication over addition (or subtraction):

              4*7 = 4*(5+2) = 4*5 + 4*2