Distributive Property Practice Problems for 7th Grade Math

Master the distributive property with step-by-step practice problems. Learn to multiply and divide using distribution for easier calculations in 7th grade math.

📚What You'll Practice and Master
  • Apply distributive property to simplify multiplication problems with large numbers
  • Break down complex numbers into smaller, easier-to-calculate components
  • Use distributive property with addition and subtraction in parentheses
  • Solve division problems using distributive property techniques
  • Calculate expressions like (40+70+35-7)×9 step by step
  • Master both a×(b+c) and (a+b)÷c distributive forms

Understanding The Distributive Property in the Case of Multiplication

Complete explanation with examples

The distributive property of multiplication allows us to break down the highest term of the exercise into a smaller number. This simplifies the multiplication operation and we can solve the exercise without the need to use a calculator.

Example of an exercise where the distributive property is applied with multiplications

Let's assume we have an exercise with a multiplication that is simple, but with large numbers, for example:
8×5328\times 532

Thanks to the distributive property, we can break it down into simpler exercises:

8×532=8×(500+30+2)8\times 532=8\times (500+30+2)

8×500=40008\times 500=4000

+

8×30=2408\times 30=240

+

8×2=168\times 2=16

=

4000+240+16=42564000+240+16=4256

A- The Distributive Property in the Case of Multiplication

Detailed explanation

Practice The Distributive Property in the Case of Multiplication

Test your knowledge with 22 quizzes

Solve the following problem:

\( 3\times36= \)

Examples with solutions for The Distributive Property in the Case of Multiplication

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Solve the following exercise

?=24:12

Step-by-Step Solution

Apply the distributive property of division and proceed to split the number 24 into a sum of 12 and 12, which ultimately renders the division operation easier and allows us to solve the exercise without a calculator.

Note - it's best to choose to split the number based on knowledge of multiples. In this case of the number 12 because we need to divide by 12.

Reminder - The distributive property of division actually allows us to split the larger term in a division problem into a sum or difference of smaller numbers, which makes the division operation easier and allows us to solve the exercise without a calculator

We will use the formula of the distributive property

 (a+b):c=a:c+b:c 

24:12=(12+12):12 24:12=(12+12):12

(12+12):12=12:12+12:12 (12+12):12=12:12+12:12

12:12+12:12=1+1 12:12+12:12=1+1

1+1=2 1+1=2

Therefore the answer is section a - 2.

Answer:

2

Video Solution
Exercise #2

94+72= 94+72=

Step-by-Step Solution

In order to simplify the calculation , we first break down 94 and 72 into smaller and preferably round numbers.

We obtain the following exercise:

90+4+70+2= 90+4+70+2=

Using the associative property, we then rearrange the exercise to be more functional.

90+70+4+2= 90+70+4+2=

We solve the exercise in the following way, first the round numbers and then the small numbers.

90+70=160 90+70=160

4+2=6 4+2=6

Which results in the following exercise:

160+6=166 160+6=166

Answer:

166

Video Solution
Exercise #3

140−70= 140-70=

Step-by-Step Solution

In order to simplify the resolution process, we begin by using the distributive property for 140:

100+40−70= 100+40-70=

We then rearrange the exercise using the substitution property into a more practical form:

100−70+40= 100-70+40=

Lastly we solve the exercise from left to right:

100−70=30 100-70=30

30+40=70 30+40=70

Answer:

70

Video Solution
Exercise #4

133+30= 133+30=

Step-by-Step Solution

In order to solve the question, we first use the distributive property for 133:

(100+33)+30= (100+33)+30=

We then use the distributive property for 33:

100+30+3+30= 100+30+3+30=

We rearrange the exercise into a more practical form:

100+30+30+3= 100+30+30+3=

We solve the middle exercise:

30+30=60 30+30=60

Which results in the final exercise as seen below:

100+60+3=163 100+60+3=163

Answer:

163

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Solve the exercise:

84:4=

Step-by-Step Solution

There are several ways to solve the following exercise,

We will present two of them.

In both ways, we begin by decomposing the number 84 into smaller units; 80 and 4.

44=1 \frac{4}{4}=1

Subsequently we are left with only the 80.

 

Continuing on with the first method, we will then further decompose 80 into smaller units; 10×8 10\times8

We know that:84=2 \frac{8}{4}=2

And therefore, we are able to reduce the exercise as follows: 104×8 \frac{10}{4}\times8

Eventually we are left with2×10 2\times10

which is equal to 20

In the second method, we decompose 80 into the following smaller units:40+40 40+40

We know that: 404=10 \frac{40}{4}=10

And therefore: 40+404=804=20=10+10 \frac{40+40}{4}=\frac{80}{4}=20=10+10

which is also equal to 20

Now, let's remember the 1 from the first step and add it in to our above answer:

20+1=21 20+1=21

Thus we are left with the following solution:844=21 \frac{84}{4}=21

Answer:

21

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distributive property in 7th grade math?

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The distributive property allows you to multiply a number by a sum or difference by distributing the multiplication to each term inside parentheses. For example, 8×(500+30+2) = 8×500 + 8×30 + 8×2 = 4000+240+16 = 4256.

How do you use distributive property to make multiplication easier?

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Break large numbers into smaller, friendlier numbers. Instead of calculating 74×8 directly, rewrite it as (70+4)×8 = 70×8 + 4×8 = 560+32 = 592. This eliminates the need for complex mental math or calculators.

What's the difference between distributive property with addition and subtraction?

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With addition: a×(b+c) = a×b + a×c. With subtraction: a×(b-c) = a×b - a×c. For example, 48×6 = (50-2)×6 = 50×6 - 2×6 = 300-12 = 288.

Can you use distributive property with division problems?

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Yes! The distributive property works with division too: (a+b)÷c = a÷c + b÷c. For example, (22+14)÷2 = 22÷2 + 14÷2 = 11+7 = 18.

What are common mistakes students make with distributive property?

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Common errors include: 1) Forgetting to distribute to all terms inside parentheses, 2) Mixing up signs when distributing with subtraction, 3) Not simplifying completely after distributing. Always double-check that every term gets multiplied.

How do you solve complex expressions like (40+70+35-7)×9?

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Distribute the 9 to each term: 40×9 + 70×9 + 35×9 - 7×9 = 360 + 630 + 315 - 63. Then add and subtract from left to right: 990 + 315 - 63 = 1305 - 63 = 1242.

When should 7th graders use the distributive property?

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Use it when multiplying by large numbers, when numbers inside parentheses are easier to work with separately, or when calculators aren't allowed. It's especially helpful for mental math and building number sense.

How does distributive property help with algebraic expressions?

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The distributive property is foundational for algebra. It teaches students how to expand expressions like 3(x+4) = 3x+12, which is essential for solving equations and simplifying algebraic expressions in advanced math courses.

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