Exercises involving equations that require two operations to isolate the variable, combined with the application of the distributive property (multiplying a factor across terms inside parentheses), are commonly presented in educational materials. For instance, an exercise might ask students to solve for x in the equation 3(x + 2) = 15. This necessitates distributing the 3 to both x and 2, resulting in 3x + 6 = 15, and then solving for x using subtraction and division.
These practice problems are crucial for developing a solid foundation in algebra. Mastering this type of equation lays the groundwork for tackling more complex algebraic concepts and builds problem-solving skills applicable in various fields, from physics and engineering to finance and computer science. Historically, the development of algebraic notation and techniques, including the distributive property, revolutionized mathematics and paved the way for numerous advancements across scientific disciplines.