The distributive property is illustrated using the example of a truck driver delivering merchandise from a distribution center to multiple Walmart stores on their route. It states that to distribute a quantity, you multiply it by each term being distributed over. For example, 4(x + 6) can be written as 4x + 24, as the 4 is being distributed over (multiplied by) both the x and 6 terms. Following this property ensures the truck driver delivers merchandise to all stores on their route.

1. Distributive Property
To remember how to use the distributive property, think of
a Distribution Center for a company such as Wal-Mart.
Trucks are loaded with merchandise at the distribution
center and then they travel to a set of Wal-Mart stores on
their route.

2. Distributive Property
Think of “a” as one of the trucks, and “b” and “c” as
different Wal-Marts on a specific route (the parenthesis
represent the area the Wal-Marts are located in).
The truck must travel to all the Wal-Marts in its area to
deliver merchandise.
If the truck does not travel to ALL Wal-Marts in its area, in
the ( )’s, we know that the truck driver is going to get fired.

3. Distributive Property
To keep the truck driver from getting fired, we need to
make sure he gets to ever Wal-Mart in his area and
delivers the merchandise.
***Remember, when he delivers the merchandise, he is
“multiplying” their inventory. Always use multiplication
when distributing.

4. Distributive Property
Example:
4( x + 6) = 4x + 4(6) = 4x + 24
|__^ ^
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5. Distributive Property
When the truck driver proves himself to his boss, his boss will allow him to earn
more money by adding more stores to his route!
The truck driver just needs to make sure that he never forgets to go to all the
stores!!!! This truck driver was fortunate enough to get another store added to
his route. This allowed him to get an xBox for his children! He was sooooo
happy!!!!
a(b + c + d) = ab + ac + ad
Each time he gets a new store, he just adds them onto the end of his route!
a(b + c + d + e) = ab + ac + ad + ae

6. Distributive Property:
Examples
3 x 6y
( 3)(x) ( 3)(6 y )
3x 18 y
3 x 6 y 10
( 3)(x) ( 3)(6 y ) ( 3)( 10)
3x 18 y 30
3 x 6 y 10 12w
( 3)(x) ( 3)(6 y ) ( 3)( 10) ( 3)(12w)
3x 18 y 30 36w