Multiply using the distributive property

Learning Objectives Define the distributive property in their own words. Break apart a mixed number into its whole number and fraction parts. Multiply a single-digit whole number by a unit fraction (e.g., 4 x 1/2). Apply the distributive property to multiply a whole number by a mixed number. Solve word problems that require multiplying a whole number by a mixed number. Model the multiplication of a whole number and a mixed number using drawings or diagrams. If you need to bake 3 batches of cookies and each batch needs 1 and a half cups of sugar, how could you figure out the total amount of sugar you need? 🍪 In this lesson, we will learn a special multiplication trick called the distributive property. It helps us break down tricky problems, like multiplying with fractions,...

TermDefinitionExample Distributive PropertyA property that lets you multiply a number by a group of numbers added together. It's like you 'distribute' or 'pass out' the multiplication to each number in the group.4 x (3 + 2) is the same as (4 x 3) + (4 x 2). Mixed NumberA number that is made up of a whole number and a fraction.2 ½ is a mixed number. It means two wholes and one half. FractionA number that shows a part of a whole or a part of a group.1/2 means one part out of two equal parts. Whole NumberThe counting numbers that don't have any fraction or decimal parts.0, 1, 2, 3, 10, 54 are all whole numbers. DecomposeTo break a number down into its parts.We can decompose the mixed number 3 ¼ into 3 + ¼. ProductThe answer you get when you multiply numbers toge...

The Distributive Property a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c) Use this rule to break a harder multiplication problem into two easier ones. You multiply the number on the outside (a) by each of the numbers on the inside (b and c) and then add the results. Decomposing a Mixed Number W a/b = W + a/b To use the distributive property with a mixed number, you must first break it apart (decompose it) into its whole number part (W) and its fraction part (a/b). Multiplying a Whole Number by a Fraction a × 1/b = a/b When you multiply a whole number (a) by a unit fraction (1/b), the whole number becomes the new numerator. For example, 3 × 1/4 means you have three 'one-fourth' pieces, which is 3/4.