Distributive Property with Area Models Worksheets

How to solve it: a worked example

Use the area model to write equivalent expressions.

1. StartWrite the area of the whole rectangle in two ways: as a product and as a sum.
2. Area of the whole rectangle: width times length$4(x$ $+$ $11)$
3. Add the areas of the two parts$4$ $\times$ $x$ $+$ $4$ $\times$ $11$ $=$ $4x$ $+$ $44$
4. Answer$4(x$ $+$ $11)$ $=$ $4x$ $+$ $44$

Common mistakes to watch for

• Multiplying only the first part: writing 3(x + 4) = 3x + 4.
• Factoring out a common factor that isn't the greatest one.
• Adding the parts' side lengths instead of multiplying them to get areas.

Tip: tick “Step-by-step answer key” in the generator to print each step for marking.