What is the Gist of the “Distributive Property” (Mathematics)?

“Given a set[1] S and two binary operators[2] ∗ and + on S… :

  • “[the operation ∗] is left-distributive over + if, given any elements xy and z of S, [we find that] x*(y+z)=(x*y)+(x*z),
  • “[the operation ∗] is right-distributive over + if, given any elements xy, and z of S, [we find that] (y+z)*x=(y*x)+(z*x), and
  • “[the operation ∗] is distributive over + if it is left- and right-distributive.” (“Distributive Property,” Wikipedia, retrieved 12/15/2020)

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Disclaimer:

I am not a professional in this field, nor do I claim to know all of the jargon that is typically used in this field. I am not summarizing my sources; I simply read from a variety of websites until I feel like I understand enough about a topic to move on to what I actually wanted to learn. If I am inaccurate in what I say or you know a better, simpler way to explain a concept, I would be happy to hear from you :).

Published by

George Evans

BS in Physics with a Minor in Mathematics.

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