Distributive Property Fun Scenario - Help Students Relate to Real-World Math

I have used this scenario with success for many years when introducing the Distributive Property to students. I present this prompt to students and ask them to explain their thinking regarding this "outfits" scenario.

Inevitably, someone shares that they thought of the price for each "outfit":
3(20 + 25)

And another student shares that they separated "shirts" from "jeans":
3 • 20 + 3 • 25

A great way to show students they already understand the concept of the Distributive Property!

To read more about how I used this resource, please check out my blog here:

For more resources using the Distributive Property and other relevant middle school topics, check out these other products:

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