Break it Up: Distributive Property 1

Just add it up to multiply! Third-graders learn how to use the distributive property to simplify larger multiplication problems on this worksheet.

First, students look at an example of how they can use the distributive property to break down a bigger number into two addends. Then, they work through six progressive fill-in-the-blank multiplication problems, with each one requiring students to fill in more and more blanks as they go. By the fifth problem, they’re figuring out the addends and completing the problems completely on their own!

For more distributive property practice, check out the Properties of Multiplication: Distributive worksheet.