PEAZIT Aha card
Go straight to resources ↓The multiplier outside a bracket reaches every term
Three packs containing four red and two blue pieces give three times the red pieces and three times the blue pieces. The multiplier applies to every term in the sum.
| Groups | Contents | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 3 groups | 4 red in each | 3 × 4 = 12 |
| the same 3 groups | 2 blue in each | 3 × 2 = 6 |
| altogether | both colours | 12 + 6 = 18 |
One worked example
- 3 × (4 + 2)Three identical packs, each with 4 + 2 pieces.
- 3 × 4 + 3 × 2Count the red pieces and the blue pieces separately.
- 12 + 6 = 18Combine the two colour totals.
Watch out: The rule also works with subtraction: 3(a − b) = 3a − 3b. Keep the sign attached to each term.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Expand a bracket containing a sum correctly.
What you need first: Multiplication as equal groups; addition.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
Show connections
Three packs containing four red and two blue pieces give three times the red pieces and three times the blue pieces. The multiplier applies to every term in the sum.