FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

What is the purpose of the distributive property?

1. To simplify expressions involving addition and multiplication

2. To express fractions in lowest terms

3. To find square roots of numbers

4. To calculate the area of different shapes

The correct answer is: To simplify expressions involving addition and multiplication

The distributive property is a fundamental principle in mathematics that is primarily used to simplify expressions that involve both addition and multiplication. This property states that when you have a number multiplied by a sum, you can distribute (or multiply) that number to each of the addends separately before adding the results together. For example, if you have the expression \( a(b + c) \), using the distributive property allows you to rewrite it as \( ab + ac \). This simplification can make calculations easier and can help in solving equations more effectively. This property is particularly valuable in algebra when working with polynomials and when you need to expand expressions. It is key for simplifying complex expressions and for efficiently combining like terms. Understanding the distributive property enhances your skills in both basic arithmetic and more advanced algebraic concepts. The other options—expressing fractions in lowest terms, finding square roots, and calculating the area of different shapes—do not relate directly to the function of the distributive property. Each of these concepts serves different purposes in mathematics and requires different methods and principles.