When using the distributive property, 8th-grade students often make some common mistakes.
Here are a few to watch out for:
Forgetting to distribute all terms: Always multiply everything inside the parentheses. For example, in the expression (2(x + 3)), you need to remember to do (2 \cdot x + 2 \cdot 3).
Getting the signs wrong: Pay close attention to negative signs. For example, (-3(a - 4)) turns into (-3a + 12). It does NOT become (-3a - 12).
Rushing when simplifying: Make sure to carefully combine like terms only after you’ve done the distribution.
If you can avoid these mistakes, working with algebra will be much easier!
When using the distributive property, 8th-grade students often make some common mistakes.
Here are a few to watch out for:
Forgetting to distribute all terms: Always multiply everything inside the parentheses. For example, in the expression (2(x + 3)), you need to remember to do (2 \cdot x + 2 \cdot 3).
Getting the signs wrong: Pay close attention to negative signs. For example, (-3(a - 4)) turns into (-3a + 12). It does NOT become (-3a - 12).
Rushing when simplifying: Make sure to carefully combine like terms only after you’ve done the distribution.
If you can avoid these mistakes, working with algebra will be much easier!