Which operation follows the distributive property?

The distributive property is a fundamental principle in mathematics that describes how multiplication interacts with addition and subtraction. This property states that when you multiply a number by a sum, you can distribute the multiplication to each addend. For example, if you have an expression like ( a(b + c) ), you can use the distributive property to rewrite it as ( ab + ac ).

Since the distributive property applies to both addition and multiplication, it allows for the reorganization of expressions that involve these operations. For instance, in equation scenarios where you multiply a term across a sum of terms, the property ensures that you can separate the operations clearly.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights that the distributive property encompasses both addition and multiplication, reflecting its broad applicability in simplifying and solving equations effectively.