A LITTLE LIGHTBULB MOMENT
Quantitative reasoning: algebra, functions and geometry
Distribute across parentheses correctly
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Unwrap the burrito before counting the beans.
The idea behind the cue
The distributive property means a(b + c) = ab + ac. Each term inside the parentheses is multiplied by the outside factor. This is a core algebra move for simplifying expressions and solving equations. Be careful with signs, especially when the outside factor is negative.
Practice this flashcard →Make it memorable
Short & simple
Unwrap the burrito before counting the beans.
Acronym
DMS — Dancing Moose Snore.
Story
A chef tosses one giant tortilla over three beans and two peppers. He cannot multiply only the beans and ignore the peppers; the tortilla lands on every filling. After unwrapping, he counts each piece separately.
Connect the pieces
- D (Dancing) → Distribute: Multiply the outside factor across every term inside the parentheses.
- M (Moose) → Multiply: Each term inside gets multiplied by the outside factor.
- S (Snore) → Signs: Watch the signs carefully, especially when the outside factor is negative.
- Dancing · Distribute: Multiply the outside factor across every term inside the parentheses.
- Moose · Multiply: Each term inside gets multiplied by the outside factor.
- Snore · Signs: Watch the signs carefully, especially when the outside factor is negative.
Know the limits
Works for multiplication over addition or subtraction; it does not combine unlike terms by itself.
Further reading · OpenStax science and mathematics textbooks ↗Check your understanding
Simplify 4(2x - 3).
A. 8x - 12
B. 6x - 3
C. 8x - 3
D. 4x - 12
Reveal explanation
8x - 12
Multiply 4 by both terms: 4·2x = 8x and 4·(-3) = -12.