How this calculator works
Multiply the outside factor by each term inside the parentheses, then combine the partial products with the original operation. Negative factors retain their signs. The same rule works for integer and decimal terms.
Formula
a(b + c) = ab + ac; a(b - c) = ab - ac.
Worked example
3(4 + 5) = 3 × 4 + 3 × 5 = 12 + 15 = 27. With subtraction, -2(7 - 3) = -14 - (-6) = -8.
Advertisement
Frequently asked questions
Must the outside factor multiply both terms?
Yes. Multiplying only the first term changes the value of the expression.
Can the terms be negative?
Yes. Keep parentheses around negative values when interpreting the expanded expression.
Can this simplify symbolic expressions?
This tool evaluates three numeric terms. It illustrates the rule but does not parse algebraic expressions with variables.