Distributiivsusseadus

Distributiivsusseadus, also known as the distributive property, is a fundamental principle in algebra and arithmetic. It describes how multiplication distributes over addition or subtraction. In its most common form, the law states that multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each addend by the number and then adding the products. Mathematically, this is often expressed as a(b + c) = ab + ac. Similarly, for subtraction, the distributive property states that a(b - c) = ab - ac.

This property is crucial for simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations, and performing calculations. For instance, to calculate 3 * (10 + 2), one could apply the distributive property to get (3 * 10) + (3 * 2), which equals 30 + 6, resulting in 36. This is equivalent to first calculating the sum inside the parentheses, 10 + 2 = 12, and then multiplying by 3, yielding 3 * 12 = 36. The distributive property holds true for real numbers, complex numbers, and other algebraic structures. It is a cornerstone of mathematical operations and is widely used in various branches of mathematics and science.