Tag: distributive property

The Distributive Property

High School Algebra, High School Mathematics

Given numbers a, b, and c, we are familiar since elementary grades that a(b+c) = ab + ac. This is what we call the distributive property of multiplication over addition. From commutative property, we also know that xy = yx; therefore, (b + c)a = a(b+c).

Knowing this property, we can do a lot of mathematical operations.  For example, we do not need to memorize FOIL (First-Outside-Inside-Last) , one of the rote strategies (no need to memorize) in multiplying binomials.  That is, in (a + b)(x + y), we multiply a(x + y), multiply b(x + y), and then add both terms giving us a(x + y) + b(x +y) which is equal to ax + ay + bx + by. If we have solved this, we can definitely solve (a + b)(x + y + z) and also (a + b + c)(x + y + z) and multiplication of polynomials of many terms. » Read more

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The Geometry of Commutativity

High School Algebra, High School Mathematics

One of the elementary observations about real numbers is that if we add the two numbers, regarding of the order, their sum is unique.  We know that 4 + 3 = 3 + 4. This property is also the same when we multiply. If we have two numbers, regarding of the order, their product is also unique. For example, 6 x 3 = 3 x 6.

In general if we have real numbers a and b, we have a + b is always equal to b + a. Also, if we have real numbers c and d, c x d is always equal to d x c. These are called the commutative property of addition and multiplication, two of the axioms of algebra.

Although axioms, as we have discussed, are statements that we accept without proof, some axioms can be explained intuitively.  In this post, we are going to discuss the two axioms mentioned above intuitively using geometric representations.

The geometry of a + b

One way of understanding why a + b is always equal to b + a is by representing the two numbers as lengths. For instance, we can represent the addition of integers above (4+3 = 3 + 4) as the sum of the lengths of two segments. In geometric representation, reversing the order of the numbers in the operation is just like rotating the segment 180 degrees about the center as shown below. Of course, rotating the segment  way will never change its length.

Now, since that we can substitute any positive numbers to a and b we are sure that the commutative property is true for all positive numbers. » Read more

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