Mr. D Math - Multiply Faster Using the Distributive Property

Contributor: Elephango Editors. Lesson ID: 10303

Learn how to multiply numbers quickly and easily with Mr. D Math! The distributive property helps you break numbers apart for fast mental math. Watch the video, practice, and apply it in real life!

30To1Hour
categories

Expressions and Equations, Pre-Algebra, Rules and Properties

subject
Math
learning style
Auditory, Kinesthetic
personality style
Lion, Otter
Grade Level
Middle School (6-8)
Lesson Type
Skill Sharpener

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Mental Math Magic!

Think fast!

  • Can you multiply 49 × 5 in your head?
  • You could grab a calculator, but what if you didn’t have one?
  • What if you were in a store, at a restaurant, or taking a test where quick mental math was key?

Good news—there’s a math trick that can help! Mr. D is here to show you how to use the distributive property to multiply numbers quickly and easily in your head.

Check it out!

Breaking It Down

Watch the video below to see how Mr. D uses the distributive property to make mental math easier.

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Now, apply what you saw in the video!

The distributive property helps you break apart numbers to make multiplying them simpler.

Take the given example

49 × 5

Instead of solving it as one big problem, break it apart into two easier problems.

49 is close to 50, so you can rewrite it this way.

(50 - 1) × 5

Now, distribute the 5.

50 × 5 = 250

1 × 5 = 5

Now subtract.

250 - 5 = 245

You just solved 49 × 5 in your head! The distributive property helps you break tricky numbers into ones that are easier to work with.

Now it’s your turn! Try using the distributive property to solve the Got It? problems without a calculator.

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