DISTRIBUTIVE LAW Meaning and
Definition
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The distributive law refers to a fundamental mathematical property that governs the distribution or allocation of operations within an algebraic expression. Specifically, it states that when performing multiplication or addition operations involving multiple terms, the order in which these operations are carried out does not affect the final result.
In mathematics, the distributive law is often expressed in the form a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c) or (b + c) × a = (b × a) + (c × a), where a, b, and c represent any real numbers or algebraic expressions. This law demonstrates that multiplication can be distributed across addition or vice versa. It means that multiplying a number by the sum of two other numbers is equivalent to multiplying each number individually and then adding the respective results.
The distributive law is a fundamental aspect of arithmetic and algebra, allowing mathematicians to simplify complex expressions and solve equations efficiently. It enables the expansion and factorization of expressions, allowing for easier manipulation and comprehension of mathematical problems. Moreover, the distributive law extends beyond basic arithmetic and is also applicable in numerous mathematical branches, including algebraic equations, matrix operations, calculus, and even in fields such as physics and computer science.
Understanding and utilizing the distributive law is essential for mastering various mathematical concepts and operations while ensuring accuracy and consistency in computations.
Common Misspellings for DISTRIBUTIVE LAW
- sistributive law
- xistributive law
- cistributive law
- fistributive law
- ristributive law
- eistributive law
- dustributive law
- djstributive law
- dkstributive law
- dostributive law
- d9stributive law
- d8stributive law
- diatributive law
- diztributive law
- dixtributive law
- didtributive law
- dietributive law
- diwtributive law
- disrributive law
- disfributive law
Etymology of DISTRIBUTIVE LAW
The word "distributive" comes from the Latin word "distributus", which is the past participle of the verb "distribuere". This Latin term is composed of two elements: "dis" meaning "apart" or "in different directions", and "tribuere" meaning "to assign" or "to give". The word "law" comes from the Old English word "lagu", which means "a rule or instruction". Therefore, the term "distributive law" refers to a rule or principle that separates or assigns values in different directions within a mathematical operation or equation.
