Simplify the Expression: Applying Distributive Property to 2(ab-7)(3+a)

Distributive Property with Multiple Parentheses

It is possible to use the distributive property to simplify the expression

2(ab7)(3+a) 2(ab-7)(3+a)

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:08 Let's solve this problem together.
00:11 First, open the parentheses by multiplying each factor inside.
00:34 Next, calculate the products step by step.
00:59 Remember, a positive times a negative always gives a negative.
01:08 Now, multiply by each factor, just like before.
01:33 Calculate the products carefully.
01:48 And that's how we find the solution to this question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

It is possible to use the distributive property to simplify the expression

2(ab7)(3+a) 2(ab-7)(3+a)

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Distribute the expressions inside the parentheses.
  • Step 2: Multiply and simplify expressions inside first, then outside.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Consider the expression (ab7)(3+a) (ab-7)(3+a) . Apply the distributive property:

  • First, distribute ab ab to both terms inside the second parentheses:
  • ab3=3ab ab \cdot 3 = 3ab
    aba=a2b ab \cdot a = a^2b
  • Next, distribute 7-7 to both terms inside the second parentheses:
  • 73=21-7 \cdot 3 = -21
    7a=7a-7 \cdot a = -7a

Combining these, we have:

(ab7)(3+a)=3ab+a2b217a (ab - 7)(3 + a) = 3ab + a^2b - 21 - 7a .

Step 2: Multiply through by the factor 2 2 outside the parentheses:

23ab=6ab 2 \cdot 3ab = 6ab
2a2b=2a2b 2 \cdot a^2b = 2a^2b
221=42 2 \cdot -21 = -42
27a=14a 2 \cdot -7a = -14a

Thus, our expression becomes:

6ab+2a2b4214a 6ab + 2a^2b - 42 - 14a .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 6ab+2a2b4214a 6ab + 2a^2b - 42 - 14a .

3

Final Answer

Yes, 6ab+2a2b4214a 6ab+2a^2b-42-14a

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Apply distributive property step-by-step through nested parentheses
  • Technique: First expand (ab-7)(3+a) = 3ab + a²b - 21 - 7a
  • Check: Count terms: original has 2 factors, result has 4 terms ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Distributing the 2 before expanding the parentheses
    Don't distribute 2(ab-7) first to get 2ab-14 = incorrect setup! This skips the crucial step of expanding (ab-7)(3+a) completely. Always expand all parentheses from inside out, then distribute outside factors.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( (3+20)\times(12+4)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just distribute the 2 first?

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You need to follow the order of operations! The parentheses (ab7)(3+a) (ab-7)(3+a) must be expanded first before multiplying by the outside factor of 2.

How do I expand two sets of parentheses?

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Use FOIL method: multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second. So ab times both 3 and a, then -7 times both 3 and a.

Should I combine like terms at the end?

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In this problem, there are no like terms to combine! Each term 6ab,2a2b,42,14a 6ab, 2a^2b, -42, -14a has different variables or powers, so the expression is already simplified.

What if I get confused with all the terms?

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Work systematically! Write each multiplication step clearly: ab×3, ab×a, (-7)×3, (-7)×a. Then multiply each result by 2. Take your time with each step.

How can I check my answer?

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Substitute simple values like a=1, b=1 into both the original expression and your simplified result. If they give the same number, you're correct!

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