Distributive Property with Numbers Worksheets

How to solve it: a worked example

Use the distributive property to multiply, or to write each sum as a common factor times a sum.

1. StartSplit the rectangle to find $5$ $\times$ $53.$
2. Find the area of each part$5$ $\times$ $50$ $=$ $250,$ $5$ $\times$ $3$ $=$ $15$
3. Add the parts$250$ $+$ $15$ $=$ $265$
4. Answer$265$

Common mistakes to watch for

• Multiplying only the first part: 7 × (40 + 6) written as 280 + 6.
• Factoring out a common factor that isn't the greatest, leaving a common factor inside the parentheses.
• Writing 4(9 + 2) as 4 × 9 + 2.

Tip: tick “Step-by-step answer key” in the generator to print each step for marking.