Quick Math

How to solve a word problem involving the distributive property

Let x, yand z be any real values In distributive property xy+xz=x(y+z)

Example:

A basketball uniform costs $20 for pants, $30 for shirts and $10 for Socks.

 a.Write down two equivalent expressions for the total cost of 7 uniforms.

 b. Find the total cost

Solution:

a. Expression for cost of one uniform

$30+$20+$10

Expression for the cost of 7 uniforms

7($30+$20+$10)=7•$30+7•$20+7•$10 

b. Total cost

=210+140+70=$420