Step 1:

Break down 9 into 5 and 4: 

9 = 5 + 4. 
 

Step 2:

Apply the distributive property: 

7 × (5 + 4). 
 

Step 3:

Distribute 7 to both 5 and 4: 

(7 × 5) + (7 × 4).

Step 4: 
Calculate each multiplication: 

7 × 5 = 35 and 7 × 4 = 28. 
 

Step 5:

Add the results: 

35 + 28 = 63.

Supplemental Knowledge: 

The distributive property is a fundamental algebraic property used to simplify expressions and perform multiplication. It states that:

\(a \times ( b + c) = ( a \times b) + ( a \times c)   \)

This property allows us to break down more complex multiplication problems into simpler parts.

Theory in Practice:

Understanding the distributive property can prove useful in everyday situations such as mental math calculations and budgeting; construction/crafting projects where measurements need to be broken into manageable units are another great use case of understanding this property.

For instance, when trying to determine the total cost of multiple items with different prices, using the distributive property can make calculations simpler by breaking them up into manageable chunks of calculations.

For those who enjoy exploring mathematical concepts or want to improve their problem-solving skills, UpStudy offers engaging resources designed to make learning more interactive. Our Algebra calculator can help you explore more complex problems involving properties like the distributive property with ease.