I don’t understand 6(s-9).

Question

I need help to understand the Distributive Property.

Answer 1

Hello Addisen,

The distributive property allows you to multiply the sum by multiplying each of the addend - in this case (s - 9) and then adding the products of each. For example, take the following expression 2(n + 3), you would multiply the 2 by the n giving you 2n and then add the product of 2 and 3 which is 6. This would leave you the following of 2n - 6.

In your problem, 6(s - 9) you multiply the 6 and s, and then add that to the 6 by -9. The result is as follows:

6s - 54

Please note that you must take into consideration the sign before the term when multiplying, remembering a positive and positive equals a positive. A negative and positive equals a negative. Finally a negative and negative when multiplied together gives you a positive value.

On a similar note, when using the distributive property or law you would always get the same answer if you do the operation inside the parenthesis. I hope this assists and that you have a great week. Feel free to reach out to me or any tutor should you need one one one tutoring in this area. Best!

Answer 2

The 6 multiplies both the s and the 9:

6(s-9) = 6·s - 6·9 = 6s - 54

Answer 3

6(s - 9) = 6s - 54