3(4+3r) distributive property

Question

In some answers the correct answer is with number with the variable being first and sometimes the number without the variable being first. why is that

Answer 1

Distributive property takes one term that is outside parenthesis and distributes it to other terms inside parenthesis.  Then adds the products.  When adding, the reverse order in distribution creates a commutative property.  When you add numbers in either order, he results are the same.

 

For example:

 

3(4 + 3r) = 3(3r + 4)

 

12 + 9r = 9r + 12

 

 

Also, the order of terms in parenthesis does not change the sum.  And since you are multiplying that unchangeable sum by the same value, the result will be the same.