Do you simplify while using the distributive property to write an expression? - Answers

When using the distributive property to write an expression, you do not simplify within the parentheses before applying the property. The distributive property involves multiplying the term outside the parentheses by each term inside the parentheses. Once you have distributed the term, you can then simplify the resulting expression by combining like terms. Simplifying before distributing would result in an incorrect application of the distributive property.