The associative and distributive properties can be confusing. The
associative property states ðabÞc (ab)c = a(bc). This property says that when multiplying three (or more)
quantities you can multiply the first two then the third or multiply the second
two then the first. For example, it might be tempting to write 
. But 
. The ‘‘5’’ can be grouped either with ‘‘x + 1’’ or with ‘‘y – 3’’ but
not both:
Alfi Blog
Februari 10, 2026
Admin
Bandung Indonesia
The associative and distributive properties can be confusing. The
associative property states ðabÞc (ab)c = a(bc). This property says that when multiplying three (or more)
quantities you can multiply the first two then the third or multiply the second
two then the first. For example, it might be tempting to write . But . The ‘‘5’’ can be grouped either with ‘‘x + 1’’ or with ‘‘y – 3’’ but
not both:
Factoring a negative
quantity has the same effect on signs within parentheses as distributing a
negative quantity does—every sign changes. Negative quantities are factored in
the next examples and practice problems.
Alfi Blog
Februari 09, 2026
Admin
Bandung Indonesia
Factoring a negative
quantity has the same effect on signs within parentheses as distributing a
negative quantity does—every sign changes. Negative quantities are factored in
the next examples and practice problems.
Factoring
The distributive
property, 
, can be used to factor a quantity from two or more terms. In the formula 
, a is factored from (or divided into) ab and ac. The first step in
factoring is to decide what quantity you want to factor from each term. Second
write each term as a product of the factor and something else (this step will become
unnecessary once you are experienced). Third apply the distribution property in
reverse.
Alfi Blog
Februari 08, 2026
Admin
Bandung Indonesia
Factoring
The distributive
property, , can be used to factor a quantity from two or more terms. In the formula , a is factored from (or divided into) ab and ac. The first step in
factoring is to decide what quantity you want to factor from each term. Second
write each term as a product of the factor and something else (this step will become
unnecessary once you are experienced). Third apply the distribution property in
reverse.
Adding/Subtracting Fractions
With the
distributive property and the ability to combine like terms, the numerator of
fraction sums/differences can be simplified. For now, we will leave the
denominators factored.
Alfi Blog
Februari 07, 2026
Admin
Bandung Indonesia
Adding/Subtracting Fractions
With the
distributive property and the ability to combine like terms, the numerator of
fraction sums/differences can be simplified. For now, we will leave the
denominators factored.
Combining Like Terms
Two or more terms
are alike if they have the same variables and the exponents (or roots) on those
variables are the same: 3x2y and 5x2y are like terms but
6xy and 4xy2 are not. Constants are terms with no variables. The
number in front of the variable(s) is the coefficient—in 4x2y3,
4 is the coefficient. If no number appears in front of the variable, then the
coefficient is 1. Add or subtract like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients.
Alfi Blog
Februari 06, 2026
Admin
Bandung Indonesia
Combining Like Terms
Two or more terms
are alike if they have the same variables and the exponents (or roots) on those
variables are the same: 3x2y and 5x2y are like terms but
6xy and 4xy2 are not. Constants are terms with no variables. The
number in front of the variable(s) is the coefficient—in 4x2y3,
4 is the coefficient. If no number appears in front of the variable, then the
coefficient is 1. Add or subtract like terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients.
. But 
. The ‘‘5’’ can be grouped either with ‘‘x + 1’’ or with ‘‘y – 3’’ but
not both:
, can be used to factor a quantity from two or more terms. In the formula 
, a is factored from (or divided into) ab and ac. The first step in
factoring is to decide what quantity you want to factor from each term. Second
write each term as a product of the factor and something else (this step will become
unnecessary once you are experienced). Third apply the distribution property in
reverse.