Distributive Property Division Practice for 7th Grade

Master the distributive property of division with step-by-step practice problems. Learn to break down dividends for easier mental math calculations.

📚Master Division Using the Distributive Property
  • Break down complex dividends into easier-to-divide components
  • Apply distributive property to solve division problems without calculators
  • Convert mixed numbers and decimals using distributive division methods
  • Simplify algebraic expressions involving division and variables
  • Practice mental math techniques for faster division calculations
  • Build confidence in tackling multi-digit division problems

Understanding The Distributive Property of Division

Complete explanation with examples

The distributive property of division allows us to break down the first term of a division expression into a smaller number. This simplifies the division operation and allows us to solve the exercise without a calculator.

When using the distributive property of division, we begin by breaking down the number being divided by another, the dividend.

For example:

54:3=(60−6):3=60:3−6:3=20−2=1854:3= (60-6):3= 60:3-6:3= 20-2=18

We break down 54 54 into 60−6 60-6 .
The value remains the same since 60−6=54 60-6=54
Both 60 60 and 6 6 are divisible by 3 3 and, therefore, the calculation is much easier.

B - The Distributive Property of Division

Detailed explanation

Practice The Distributive Property of Division

Test your knowledge with 22 quizzes

\( 35\times4= \)

Examples with solutions for The Distributive Property of Division

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

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
Exercise #2

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 #3

Solve the following exercise

?=93:3

Step-by-Step Solution

We will use the distributive property of division and split the number 93 into a sum of 90 and 3. This 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, we use 3 because we need to divide by 3. Additionally splitting by tens and ones is suitable and makes the division operation easier.

Reminder - The distributive property of division essentially allows us to split the larger term in the 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 

93:3=(90+3):3 93:3=(90+3):3

(90+3):3=90:3+3:3 (90+3):3=90:3+3:3

90:3+3:3=30+1 90:3+3:3=30+1

30+1=31 30+1=31

Therefore, the answer is option B - 31.

Answer:

31

Video Solution
Exercise #4

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 #5

63−36= 63-36=

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the problem, first we will use the distributive property on the two numbers:

(60+3)-(30+6)

Now, we will use the substitution property to arrange the exercise in the way that is most convenient for us to solve:

60-30+3-6

It is important to pay attention that when we open the second parentheses, the minus sign moved to the two numbers inside.

30-3 = 

27

Answer:

27

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distributive property of division in 7th grade math?

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The distributive property of division allows you to break down the dividend (the number being divided) into smaller, easier-to-divide parts. For example, 54÷3 = (60-6)÷3 = 60÷3 - 6÷3 = 20-2 = 18. This makes division calculations much simpler without using a calculator.

How do you use the distributive property to solve division problems?

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Follow these steps: 1) Break down the dividend into numbers that are easily divisible by the divisor, 2) Apply division to each part separately, 3) Add or subtract the results. For instance, 104÷4 = (100+4)÷4 = 100÷4 + 4÷4 = 25+1 = 26.

Why is the distributive property useful for division?

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The distributive property makes division easier by breaking complex numbers into simpler parts. It helps with mental math, reduces calculation errors, and builds number sense. Students can solve problems like 742÷4 by breaking it into (700+40+2)÷4 for easier computation.

What are common mistakes when using distributive property in division?

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Common errors include: • Incorrectly breaking down the dividend • Forgetting to maintain equivalent values (like 54 = 60-6) • Mixing up addition and subtraction signs • Not simplifying fractions in the final answer • Applying the property to the divisor instead of the dividend

Can you use distributive property with algebraic expressions in division?

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Yes! For algebraic expressions like (30x+4)÷7, you can distribute the division: 30x÷7 + 4÷7. This is especially useful in algebra when simplifying expressions with variables and helps prepare students for more advanced mathematical concepts.

How does distributive property of division differ from multiplication?

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In multiplication, you distribute across addition/subtraction: a(b+c) = ab+ac. In division, you break down the dividend: (a+b)÷c = a÷c + b÷c. Division's distributive property only works with the dividend, not the divisor, making it more limited but still very useful.

What types of numbers work best with distributive property division?

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The method works best with: • Numbers that can be broken into multiples of the divisor • Three-digit numbers divided by single digits • Mixed numbers and decimals • Numbers ending in zeros. For example, 85÷5 works well as (80+5)÷5 = 16+1 = 17.

How can I practice distributive property division effectively?

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Practice strategies include: 1) Start with simple two-digit dividends, 2) Focus on breaking numbers into tens and ones, 3) Use visual aids and number lines, 4) Practice with real-world word problems, 5) Work on both exact divisions and those with remainders, 6) Gradually increase to three-digit problems.

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