Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Use knowledge of the distributive law to solve two part problems

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use knowledge of the distributive law to solve two part addition problems efficiently.

      Key learning points

      1. Partitioning a factor is called distribution or using the distributive law.
      2. Factors can be re-combined to simplify 2-part addition problems.
      3. Five 9s plus three 9s is equal to eight 9s.

      Keywords

      • Common factors - When we compare lists of factors of two or more numbers, any factors that are the same are the common factors.

      • Distributive law - The distributive law says that multiplying a number by a group of numbers added together is the same as doing each multiplication separately.

      Common misconception

      When looking at an expression such as 9 × 3 + 9 × 6 children might be tempted to add first leading to an expression like this: 9 × 12 × 6

      Ensure that you support the equation with the arrays so that pupils understand where the multiplication expressions come from and they can match the partial products to the arrays.

      Teacher tip

      Worded problems are used to contextualise. Consider your class and adapt contexts if needed to suit.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the numbers in the following equation are the factors? 21 = 7 × 3

      21
      Correct answer: 3
      Correct answer: 7

      Q2.
      54 + 8 =

      Correct Answer: 62

      Q3.
      62 + 25 =

      Correct Answer: 87

      Q4.
      There are 4 bags of 5 apples. Match the object with group size or number of groups.

      Correct Answer:bags,number of groups

      number of groups

      Correct Answer:apples,group size

      group size

      Q5.
      Which of the following expressions is the array representing?

      An image in a quiz
      6 × 3
      3 × 8
      Correct answer: 6 × 9
      8 × 6

      Q6.
      Double 56 is ___

      106
      108
      110
      Correct answer: 112

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Tick the expressions that are equal in value to 3 × 8

      Correct answer: 3 × 5 + 3 × 3
      Correct answer: 3 × 2 + 3 × 6
      3 × 4 + 3 × 2

      Q2.
      Tick the expressions that are equal in value to 5 × 9

      Correct answer: 4 × 5 + 5 × 5
      Correct answer: 2 × 9 + 3 × 9
      3 × 9 + 9 × 6

      Q3.
      Which number goes in both gaps as a common factor? 2 × + ___ × 3 = 20

      Correct Answer: 4, four

      Q4.
      Use distributive law to solve the two part addition of 2 × 4 + 2 × 5 =

      Correct Answer: 18

      Q5.
      Use distributive law to solve the two part addition of 3 × 8 + 8 × 5 =

      Correct Answer: 64

      Q6.
      Use distributive law to solve the two part addition of 9 × 3 + 5 × 9 =

      Correct Answer: 72

      To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Use knowledge of the distributive law to solve two part problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...