The value of b is -12
Solution:
The given equation, b (b + 12) = 0
On distributing the b inside the parentheses we get,
[tex]\Rightarrow\bold{ b\times b+b\times12=0}[/tex]
[tex]\bold{\Rightarrow b^{2}+12b=0}[/tex]
[tex]\bold{\Rightarrow b^{2}=-12b}[/tex]
[tex]\bold{\Rightarrow 1=\frac{-12b}{b^2}}[/tex]
[tex]\bold{\Rightarrow 1=\frac{-12}{b}}[/tex]
[tex]\bold{\Rightarrow b=-12}[/tex]
Steps to use distributive property to solve an equation:
- Multiply the term outside of the parentheses by each term in the parentheses.
- Distribute a negative number together with its negative sign.
- Combine like terms
- Solve the equation.
For fractions:
- Identify any fractional coefficients or constants.
- Find the lowest common multiple (LCM) for all denominators.
- Multiply all terms of the equation by the LCM.
- Combine like terms and solve the equation.
