Multiply the outside factor by both terms.
Free Interactive Pre-Algebra Tool
Step-by-Step Distributive Property Practice
Practice multiplying a factor across every term inside parentheses, handling negative signs, and combining like terms one step at a time.
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Learn why the outside factor must multiply every term inside the parentheses, how signs work, and when to combine like terms afterward.
Read the Distributive Property Guide
Problem 1 of 10
10%
Current expression
Complete exactly one valid simplification step.
Original problem
3(x + 4) + 2x
Your work
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- Start 3(x + 4) + 2x
Simplify this expression
3(x + 4) + 2x
Start by distributing the outside factor to every term inside the parentheses.
Hint
Multiply the factor outside the parentheses by every term inside.
Distributive property rules
The outside factor still multiplies both terms.
Multiply signs carefully when the outside factor is negative.
Combine like terms only after the parentheses are removed.
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Rewrite the full expression
After completing one algebra step, enter the entire updated expression. Do not enter only the piece you distributed.
Multiply every term
The factor outside the parentheses must multiply each term inside the grouping symbols, including negative terms.
Combine like terms afterward
On longer problems, distribute first. Then simplify the new expression by combining terms with matching variable parts.
Example
What does one step at a time mean?
Suppose the original expression is:
3(x + 4) + 2x
1
Distribute 3
3x + 12 + 2x
2
Combine like terms
5x + 12
The student enters each complete expression separately. Skipping directly from 3(x + 4) + 2x to 5x + 12 skips a required simplification step.
Build Distributive Property Skills Through Guided Practice
The distributive property is a core pre-algebra and algebra skill used to remove parentheses, simplify expressions, combine like terms, and solve multi-step equations.
This practice tool focuses on the intermediate work instead of only the final answer. Students rewrite the complete expression after each valid algebra step, making it easier to see exactly where a sign, multiplication, or like-term error occurs.
What Is the Distributive Property?
The distributive property says that a factor outside parentheses multiplies every term inside the parentheses. For example, 3(x + 4) becomes 3x + 12.
Why Negative Factors Matter
Negative outside factors are a common source of mistakes. In −2(x − 5), the −2 multiplies both x and −5, producing −2x + 10.
Distribution and Combining Like Terms
More advanced expressions may require distribution first and combining like terms second. For example, 3(x + 4) + 2x becomes 3x + 12 + 2x before simplifying to 5x + 12.
Three Difficulty Levels
Beginner problems focus on positive whole-number factors. Intermediate problems introduce negative factors and coefficients. Advanced problems include multiple terms outside the parentheses and require combining like terms after distributing.
Free Distributive Property Practice on Any Device
The tool is designed for desktop computers, tablets, and phones and can be used for tutoring sessions, homework support, classroom review, or independent practice.