Term-by-term distribution
Each term inside the parentheses is multiplied by the outside term, one at a time. AskSia shows each multiplication explicitly so you can verify the work.
Term by term
AI Solver by AskSia
Distributive Property Solver: distribute and combine
Paste any expression with a single term outside parentheses. AskSia multiplies the outside term across every term inside, handles negative signs correctly, combines any like terms that result, and returns the simplified form.
Works with word problems, equations, code, and science prompts.
∫ 3x² · sin(x) dx
SubjectsCalculusAlgebraPhysicsChemistryBiologyCSStatisticsEcon
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asksia.ai/solver
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Problem
Find the area enclosed between y = x² and y = 2x in the first quadrant.
1
Find the points of intersection
Set the curves equal: x² = 2x → x(x - 2) = 0, so x = 0 and x = 2.
2
Identify which curve is on top
On (0, 2), 2x > x², so y = 2x is the upper curve.
3
Set up the area integral
A = ∫₀² (2x - x²) dx
4
Integrate term-by-term
A = [ x² - x³/3 ]₀²
Final Answer
A = 4/3 sq. units
Quick Answer
What is the AskSia Distributive Property Solver?
AskSia's Distributive Property Solver is an AI tool that applies the distributive property a(b + c) = ab + ac step-by-step on numbers, variables, and polynomials. AskSia multiplies the outside term across every term inside the parentheses, handles negative coefficients correctly, distributes across multiple sets of parentheses, and combines like terms in the final result. Useful for simplifying expressions before solving an equation.
98%
solution accuracy
50M+
problems solved
~1.5s
avg solve time
A+
study-ready explanations
Why AskSia Solver
Distribute every term. Get every sign right.
a(b + c) = ab + ac. AskSia multiplies term by term, handles negatives carefully, and combines like terms after distribution.
Negative signs handled correctly
When the outside term is negative, every sign inside flips. AskSia tracks signs carefully and shows them in each multiplication.
Sign rules
Multiple parentheses
For expressions with several sets of parentheses, AskSia distributes each independently, then combines like terms across the whole expression.
Multiple parens
Combine like terms after distribution
Once distribution is done, AskSia identifies and combines like terms (terms with the same variable raised to the same power). The simplified form is the final result.
Combine like
FOIL by repeated distribution
For (a + b)(c + d), AskSia treats this as a + b applied to the second parentheses by the distributive property twice, giving ac + ad + bc + bd.
FOIL
Plain English narration
Each multiplication has a plain-English reason: 'multiply 3 by x', 'multiply minus 2 by 5x', 'combine like terms 7x and minus 3x'. The reasoning makes the steps repeatable.
Narrated
How It Works
Three taps to a distributed expression.
Step 01
Paste or type the expression
Any expression with one or more terms outside parentheses. Photo input from textbook also works.
Input mode
Snap a Photo
Textbook, handwriting, screenshot
Paste Text
Word problem or equation
Calculator
LaTeX-ready equation editor
Step 02
Watch Sia distribute
Each term inside multiplied by the outside term, with signs tracked. Distribution shown step-by-step.
1
Set curves equal
x² = 2x → x = 0, x = 2
2
Set up the integral
A = ∫₀² (2x - x²) dx
3
Evaluate
A = [x² - x³/3]₀² = 4/3
Step 03
See the simplified result
Distributed terms combined where possible, with like terms collected. Final expression is fully simplified.
Auto-generated diagram
Region between y = 2x and y = x² — area = 4/3
Available On
Solve anywhere
you study.
Every solve syncs across Web, iOS, and Android — start it at your desk, finish on your phone.
Web App
Full study studio
Split-panel interface with the worked solution on the left, the auto-generated diagram and AI tutor chat on the right.
Drag & drop image upload + LaTeX equation editor
Auto-generated diagrams render alongside steps
Side-panel AI tutor chat for hints and alt methods
Export to PDF, DOCX, Notion, or Google Docs
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Calculus
98% verified
1.4s
Step 4 of 4 · Evaluate
A = [x² - x³/3]₀² = 4/3
Mobile App
Snap & solve, anywhere
Open the camera, frame the problem, and the worked solution plus diagram appear in seconds.
One-tap snap-and-solve on iOS and Android
Pinch-to-zoom diagrams, swipe between steps
Auto-sync solves with your Web library
Offline review of saved solutions and flashcards
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Calc
98%
1.4s
Area between y=2x & y=x²
A = 4/3 sq. units ✓
Use Cases
Every distribution task.
Algebra 1 simplification
Distribute a single number or variable across a binomial: 3(x + 5) = 3x + 15. AskSia shows each multiplication.
Algebra 1
Negative coefficient distribution
Distribute a negative across parentheses: minus 2(3x minus 4) = minus 6x + 8. AskSia tracks the sign flip on each term.
Negative coef
Multiple parentheses
Simplify 2(x + 3) minus 4(x minus 1). AskSia distributes each set, then combines like terms across the expression.
Multiple parens
Polynomial multiplication
(x + 2)(x minus 3) by FOIL or repeated distribution. AskSia returns x^2 minus x minus 6 with the cross-multiplication shown.
Polynomial
Before solving an equation
Distribute first to remove parentheses, then solve. AskSia chains distribution with isolation steps to give a full worked equation.
In equations
SAT, ACT prep
Distribution questions on standardized tests. After any solve, generate similar practice at the right difficulty.
Exam prep
Compare
AskSia vs. ChatGPT,
Photomath & Symbolab.
General chatbots hallucinate. Photo solvers stop at math. AskSia is built for actual coursework with verified accuracy, visual learning, and every subject.
| Feature | AskSia Solver | ChatGPT | Photo Solvers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solution accuracy | ✓ 98% | ~70-85%, hallucinations | ~90%, math only |
| Auto-generated diagrams | ✓ Every solve | Inconsistent / broken | Graphs only, math-only |
| Step-by-step explanations | ✓ Numbered + plain English | Inconsistent depth | ✓ Math steps |
| Subject coverage | ✓ Math, Physics, Chem, Bio, CS, Econ | ✓ Wide but unverified | Math only |
| Photo input | ✓ Handwriting + diagrams + code | Photos OK, weak on handwriting | ✓ Math photos only |
| Answer verification | ✓ Self-checked before display | No verification | Math engine only |
| Tutor follow-ups | ✓ Hints, alt methods, ELI5 | ✓ General chat | Not available |
| Practice and flashcards | ✓ One-tap from any solve | Manual prompting | Not available |
| Code debugging | ✓ Python, Java, C++, SQL... | ✓ Yes | Not available |
| Free to start | ✓ Daily solves, no card | Limited model access | Steps locked behind paywall |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is the distributive property?
The distributive property says a(b + c) = ab + ac for any numbers, variables, or expressions a, b, and c. In words: a number or expression outside parentheses can be multiplied across every term inside the parentheses. The property works for subtraction as well: a(b minus c) = ab minus ac. It is one of the foundational rules of algebraic manipulation.
How does AskSia handle negative signs in distribution?
When the outside term is negative, every term inside the parentheses changes sign after multiplication. For example, minus 2(3x + 5) = minus 6x minus 10, not minus 6x + 10. AskSia tracks each sign explicitly and shows the multiplication for each term, so a mistake on the sign would be visible in the work.
Does AskSia combine like terms after distribution?
Yes. After distribution, AskSia identifies like terms (those with the same variable raised to the same power) and combines them. For example, 2(x + 3) minus 4(x minus 1) becomes 2x + 6 minus 4x + 4 after distribution, then minus 2x + 10 after combining like terms. The two steps are shown separately.
Can AskSia handle (a + b)(c + d) by distribution?
Yes. (a + b)(c + d) is treated as the binomial (a + b) distributing across (c + d), giving (a + b)c + (a + b)d, which then distributes again to ac + bc + ad + bd. This is FOIL written as repeated distribution. AskSia shows both the conceptual structure and the four-term expansion.
How accurate is AskSia?
AskSia is engineered for accuracy on standard high school and college coursework. Accuracy comes from subject-specialized models, a symbolic verification pass that catches arithmetic errors, and a self-check step that re-derives the answer before showing it to you.
Can I get practice problems and flashcards?
Yes. After any solve, ask Sia to generate similar practice problems at SAT, ACT, AP, IB, or college difficulty, or build a flashcard set on the underlying concept in one tap. Useful for exam prep and spaced repetition before a quiz, midterm, or final.
How much does AskSia cost?
AskSia has a free plan that includes daily solves across all subjects. AskSia Pro and Super include unlimited solves, advanced subjects, the full AI tutor companion, exports, and priority response speed. See pricing for details.
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Distribute every term. Combine every like term.
Join 2M+ students using AskSia to apply the distributive property on numbers, variables, polynomials, and rational expressions, with every multiplication shown and like terms combined.
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