Mr. D Math - Multiply Faster Using the Distributive Property

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Breaking It Down

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

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.