Using the Distributive Property to Find Area Introduction
How can using the distributive property help us find the area of a rectangle?
Goal:
Goal:
Caleb's dad is a helicopter pilot. He is showing Caleb how a helicopter needs a certain amount of space to land based on the size of the helicopter. An area is also needed for the passengers to be able to exit the helicopter. If the helicopter is 5 units by 6 units and space for the passengers must be 5 units by 2 units, how much total space is needed? Let's help Caleb find the answer!
Caleb's dad piloting a helicopter. Flying over a grassy field.
Question
If a helicopter is 5 units by 6 units, how do you solve for the number of square units needed?
Multiply the length times the width: \({5 \times 6 = 30}\) square units.
We also need to have an area of 5 units by 2 units for the passengers. Let's see if we can figure out how much space is needed altogether.