Distributive Property Game
The distributive property states that multiplying a single term by a group of terms within parentheses is equivalent to multiplying the single term by each term within the parentheses, then adding or subtracting those products. In algebraic terms, the property is expressed as a(b + c) = ab + ac and a(b - c) = ab - ac. It simplifies expressions by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts, and is applicable to both numerical and algebraic expressions. Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
 
This game is designed to help you master the process of distributing a term to the terms inside a set of parentheses. If you get an answer wrong, it will show you the correct solution. Check out this other Distributive Property Game (with exponents).
 

 

How to Play the Distributive Property Game
This game is designed to help you master the process of distributing a term to the terms inside a set of parentheses.
Here’s how to play:

1. Timed Option: Check the timer if you want to enable the 60 second timer. Click “Start Game”.
   
2. Look at the Problem: You’ll be given an expression in the form of a(by + c) or a(by - c).
   
3. Enter Your Answer: Enter in the coefficient for y and the constant. Remember to enter the negative symbol for negative numbers.
   
4. Check Your Work: Click the Check button (or press the Enter key). The game will tell you if you’re correct. If you are wrong, you will be shown the correct answer.
   
5. Get a New Problem: Click the Next button for a new problem.
   Your score is tracked at the top, showing how many you’ve gotten right out of the total you’ve tried.
6. Back to Menu Click “Back to Menu” to restart the game.
    
   

How to use the Distributive Property
The distributive property states that multiplying a single term by a group of terms within parentheses is equivalent to multiplying the single term by each term within the parentheses, then adding or subtracting those products. In algebraic terms, the property is expressed as a(b + c) = ab + ac and a(b - c) = ab - ac. It simplifies expressions by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts, and is applicable to both numerical and algebraic expressions.
Distributive Property
How it works

1. Identify the factor and the group: In an expression like a(b + c), a is the factor being multiplied by the group (b + c).
   
2. Distribute the factor: Multiply the factor a by each term inside the parentheses: ab and ac.
   
3. Combine the products: Add or subtract the results based on the operation within the parentheses.
   For a(b + c), the result is ab + ac.
   For a(b - c), the result is ab - ac.
    
   

Applications

1. Simplifying expressions:
   It helps to simplify complex expressions by removing parentheses, making them easier to work with.
   
2. Solving equations:
   It is a fundamental step in solving algebraic equations involving variables inside parentheses.
   
3. Mental math:
   You can use it to simplify numerical calculations by breaking numbers into easier parts
    
   

The video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to using the distributive property.

• Show Video

 

Free Algebra Games

• Algebraic Expressions

  Evaluate Algebraic Expressions
  Evaluate Expressions (Exponents)
  

  Distributive Property
  Distributive Property (Exponents)
  

  Simplify Algebraic Expressions
  Add or Subtract Polynomials
  

  Multiply Binomials (y+b)(y+d)
  Multiply Binomials (ay+b)(cy+d)
  

  Factor Linear Expressions
  Factor Binomials
  Factor Difference of Two Squares
  Factor Perfect Square Trinomials
  Factor Trinomials
  

• Algebraic Equations

  Solve Equations (1-step or 2-step)
  Solve Equations with variables on both sides
  Combine Like Terms & Solve Equations (2(3x-2) + 9 = -5x)
  

  Solve for a Variable (add or subtract)
  Solve Literal Equations (multiply or divide)
  

  Standard Form to Slope-Intercept Form
  Slope-Intercept Form to Standard Form
  

  Solve Quadratic Equations (a = 1)
  Solve Quadratic Equations (a > 1)
  Solve Quadratic Equations (use the quadratic formula)
  

  Solve Systems of Equations (by substitution)
  Solve Systems of Equations (by elimination)
  

• Algebraic Inequalities

  Inequalities on the Number Line (may not work well on the mobile)
  Solve Inequalities (1-step or 2-step)
  

 

Try out our new and fun Fraction Concoction Game.

Add and subtract fractions to make exciting fraction concoctions following a recipe. There are four levels of difficulty: Easy, medium, hard and insane. Practice the basics of fraction addition and subtraction or challenge yourself with the insane level.

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