Student can exploit the distributive property to simplify large multiplications mentally.
Base properties of multiplication.
Before diving into complex calculations, let's review four simple rules that make multiplying whole numbers much easier to do in your head.
Visual branching of distributive property.

Distributing the multiplier across the terms inside the addition bracket.
Using distribution over subtraction for 97.
Multiply
Notice that is very close to . Multiplying large numbers mentally becomes much easier if we expand one of them to a convenient base using the Distributive Property.
Using distributive property in reverse.
Solve
Instead of doing two separate large multiplications, look for a common factor in both products. This is the reverse of expanding a bracket.
Three-term factoring using the property.
Let us solve the numerical expression using the distributive property.
First, we identify and take out the common factor from all three products. The isolated common factor placed outside the bracket is .
By putting the rest of the terms inside a bracket, the expression becomes .
Next, we simplify the subtraction inside the parentheses. Evaluating gives us a simple multiplier of .
Finally, we multiply our common factor by this new value to easily find the solution. The final evaluated product is , which is much faster to calculate mentally than evaluating each term separately.
Real-world application requiring distribution.
Problem. Rohan buys computers and printers. If the cost of one computer is ₹ and one printer is ₹ , find the total cost incurred by Rohan.
Hint: Use the distributive property: .
Write the total cost using multiplication for computers and printers.
Both terms have the same number of items. Take that number outside the bracket.
Add the cost of one computer and one printer.
Multiply the bracket value by 12.
Write the total cost in rupees.