Question

3a ( $8y^2$ - $6z^2$) = $3a\times 8y^2$ - $3a\times 6z^2$.
The above applies the ___________ property to simplify an algebraic expression.

• A. Associative
• B. Distributive
• C. Commutative
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Distributive

The above applies the distributive property to simplify an algebraic expression.
In the given example, 3a ( $8y^2$ - $6z^2$),
the single term 3a is multiplied with each of the term inside the parentheses, that is ( $8y^2$ - $6z^2$),
On expanding we get,
3a ( $8y^2$ - $6z^2$) = $3a\times 8y^2$ - $3a\times 6z^2$.