How to Use the Distributive Law Calculator
The distributive law is a core algebra principle: a×(b+c) = a×b + a×c, where multiplication is applied to each term inside the parentheses separately. This calculator takes a coefficient a, two terms b and c, and an operator (add or subtract), then shows both the expansion process and the final result.
For example, entering 3×(4+5) shows the step-by-step expansion 3×4 + 3×5 = 12 + 15 = 27. Expressions with subtraction, like 3×(4−5), expand the same way to give 3×4 − 3×5 = 12 − 15 = −3.
The distributive law taught in early algebra becomes the foundation for expanding polynomials and factoring later on. Since the coefficient and terms accept negative numbers and decimals, this tool is handy for quickly checking answers to a wide range of practice problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's the algebra rule a×(b+c) = a×b + a×c, where multiplication is applied to each term inside the parentheses separately.
Yes. Expressions like a×(b−c) = a×b − a×c expand the same way with subtraction.
Yes. The coefficient and both terms can include negative numbers and decimals.