This type of exercise typically involves algebraic expressions where a term multiplies a quantity within parentheses. Students are expected to apply the distributive propertymultiplying the outside term by each term inside the parenthesesto simplify the equation before solving for the unknown variable. For example, an exercise might ask students to solve for x in the equation 2( x + 3) = 10. By distributing the 2, the equation becomes 2 x + 6 = 10, facilitating the subsequent isolation and solution for x.
Mastery of these exercises is foundational for progressing to more complex algebraic concepts. It reinforces the order of operations and builds a crucial skill set for manipulating and simplifying equations. Historically, the distributive property has been a cornerstone of mathematical understanding, dating back to ancient civilizations who used it for calculations in various contexts. Its application in modern algebra remains essential for fields like engineering, physics, computer science, and economics.