Distributive Property Practice Problems for 7th Grade Math

Master the distributive property with step-by-step practice problems. Learn basic and extended distribution, multiplication, division, and real-world applications.

📚What You'll Master in This Practice Session
  • Apply the distributive property formula a(b + c) = ab + ac with confidence
  • Break down large multiplication problems like 532 × 8 into manageable parts
  • Use distribution to simplify division problems such as 894 ÷ 3
  • Solve extended distributive property problems with two sets of parentheses
  • Work with variables using (x + 2)(3x - 5) type expressions
  • Apply distributive property to real-world word problems and money calculations

Understanding The Distributive Property for 7th Grade

Complete explanation with examples

What is the distributive property?

aâ‹…(b+c)=ab+ac a \cdot (b + c) = ab + ac

(a+b)(c+d)=ac+ad+bc+bd (a+b)(c +d) =ac+ad+bc+bd

The distributive property is a rule in mathematics that says that multiplying a number by the sum of two or more numbers will give us the same result as multiplying that number by the two numbers separately and then adding them together.

For example, 4x4 will give us the same result as (4x2) + (4x2).

How does this help us? Well, it allows us to distribute, or to split up a number into two or more smaller numbers that are easier to work with. When we're working with large numbers, or expressions with variables, the distributive property can save us time and a headache!

A - What is the distributive property

Detailed explanation

Practice The Distributive Property for 7th Grade

Test your knowledge with 25 quizzes

Which equation is the same as the following?

\( 160\times6 \)

Examples with solutions for The Distributive Property for 7th Grade

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

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 #2

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
Exercise #3

143−43= 143-43=

Step-by-Step Solution

We will use the distributive law and split the number 143 into a sum of 100 and 43.

The distributive law allows us to distribute, meaning, to split a number into two or more numbers. This actually allows us to work with smaller numbers and simplify the operation.

(100+43)−43= (100+43)-43=

We will operate according to the order of operations

We can remove parentheses and perform addition and subtraction operations in any order since there are only addition and subtraction operations in the equation

100+43−43=100+0=100 100+43-43=100+0=100

Therefore, the answer is option C - 100.

And now let's see the solution to the exercise in a centered format:

143−43=(100+43)−43=100+43−43=100+0=100 143-43= (100+43)-43= 100+43-43=100+0=100

Answer:

100

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distributive property formula for 7th grade?

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The basic distributive property formula is a(b + c) = ab + ac. This means you multiply the number outside the parentheses by each term inside, then add the results. For example, 4(3 + 5) = 4×3 + 4×5 = 12 + 20 = 32.

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

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Break the larger number into smaller, easier parts. For 532 × 8, rewrite as 8 × (500 + 30 + 2) = 8×500 + 8×30 + 8×2 = 4000 + 240 + 16 = 4256. This makes mental math much easier than multiplying 532 × 8 directly.

Can you use the distributive property for division problems?

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Yes! For division like 76 ÷ 4, find a nearby multiple of 4 (like 80), then distribute: 76 ÷ 4 = (80 - 4) ÷ 4 = 80÷4 - 4÷4 = 20 - 1 = 19. This technique works especially well with larger numbers.

What is the extended distributive property?

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The extended distributive property multiplies two sets of parentheses: (a + b)(c + d) = ac + ad + bc + bd. You multiply each term in the first parentheses by each term in the second parentheses. For example, (7 + 2)(5 + 8) = 7×5 + 7×8 + 2×5 + 2×8 = 35 + 56 + 10 + 16 = 117.

How do you distribute with variables and negative numbers?

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Follow the same pattern but watch your signs carefully. For (x + 2)(3x - 5): multiply each term by each term to get 3x² - 5x + 6x - 10, then combine like terms to get 3x² + x - 10. Remember that negative times positive equals negative.

When should 7th graders use the distributive property?

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Use it when: 1) Mental math becomes difficult with large numbers, 2) Simplifying algebraic expressions with parentheses, 3) Solving word problems involving equal groups or splitting amounts, 4) Breaking down complex calculations into manageable steps.

What are common mistakes with the distributive property?

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Common errors include: forgetting to distribute to all terms inside parentheses, making sign errors with negative numbers, not combining like terms in the final answer, and confusing the distributive property with other properties like commutative or associative.

How does the distributive property help in real life?

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It's useful for: calculating tips and splitting restaurant bills, determining total costs when buying multiple items, planning group expenses for trips, and making quick mental calculations for shopping. It's a fundamental skill that appears in everyday math situations.

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