Distributive property: find the missing factor

Learning Objectives Identify the 'whole' factor that is broken apart in a distributive property equation. Explain that the two smaller factors on one side of the equation must add up to the 'whole' factor on the other side. Use subtraction or addition facts to find the missing factor in an equation like 7 x 9 = (7 x 5) + (7 x __). Solve for a missing factor when the equation is written in a different order, such as (4 x __) + (4 x 3) = 4 x 8. Check their answer by solving both sides of the equation to ensure they are equal. Draw an area model to represent a distributive property problem with a missing factor. 🍪 Imagine you have a big cookie tray with 6 rows of 9 cookies. If you split it into two smaller trays, with one tray having 6 rows of 5 cookies, ho...

TermDefinitionExample FactorA number that is multiplied by another number to get a product.In 5 x 3 = 15, the numbers 5 and 3 are the factors. ProductThe answer you get when you multiply two or more numbers together.In 5 x 3 = 15, the number 15 is the product. Distributive PropertyA rule that lets you break apart one factor into smaller numbers to make multiplication easier.To solve 6 x 8, you can break 8 into 5 + 3. So, 6 x 8 is the same as (6 x 5) + (6 x 3). EquationA math sentence that uses an equals sign (=) to show that two things have the same value.4 x 7 = 28 is an equation. (4 x 5) + (4 x 2) = 28 is also an equation. Parentheses ()Symbols used to group numbers together. You should always do the math inside the parentheses first.In (2 + 3) x 4, you add 2 + 3 first to get 5. Missing...

The Distributive Property Formula a \times (b + c) = (a \times b) + (a \times c) This is the main rule. It shows that multiplying a number 'a' by a sum (b + c) is the same as multiplying 'a' by 'b' and 'a' by 'c' separately, and then adding those products together. The 'Whole' Factor Rule N = b + c When you see an equation like `a \times N = (a \times b) + (a \times c)`, the two smaller factors ('b' and 'c') must add up to the 'whole' factor ('N'). This is the secret to finding the missing piece!