When solving an equation using the distributive property, if the numbers being distributed are fractions, what is your first step? Why?

Two things you can do:

 

One. You can distribute the fraction just like it is a whole number

 

Two. You can multiply the numerator to both sides to turn the fraction into a whole number then distribute the whole number.

 

Example One:

 

\(\frac{1}{2}\times(2x+3)=10\)

 

\(1x+1.5=10\)

 

\(x+1.5=10\)

 

\(x=8.5\)

 

Example Two:

 

\(\frac{1}{2}\times(2x+3)=10\)

 

\(1\times(2x+3)=20\)

 

\(2x+3=20\)

 

\(2x=17\)

 

\(x=8.5\)