Skill: Use the distributive property of multiplication

Explanation and Free Practice Resources

The distributive property relates a multiplication expression to the sum of products formed by decomposing one factor into addends, such as $6 \times 7 = (6 \times 5) + (6 \times 2)$ ; arrays and area models show that the whole quantity is partitioned into equal rectangular parts whose partial products combine to give the total. This supports flexible multiplication strategies and later multi-digit computation, while remaining limited to whole-number products within 100 rather than formal symbolic algebra or distribution over subtraction.

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Detailed Explanation: Use the distributive property of multiplication

To use the distributive property, break one factor into smaller addends. Multiply the other factor by each addend, then add the partial products.

Example: Find $6 \times 7$ .

Break $7$ into two easier numbers:

7=5+2

Multiply $6$ by each part:

6\times 5=30

6\times 2=12

Add the partial products:

30+12=42

So,

6\times 7=(6\times 5)+(6\times 2)=30+12=\boxed{42}

The two smaller products represent two parts of the same whole group of $6$ rows of $7$ . Combining the parts gives the total.

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Multiplication Area Model - Teens to Total from Sum

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