Which equation demonstrates the distributive property of multiplication over addition?

The selected answer illustrates the distributive property of multiplication over addition effectively. The distributive property states that when you multiply a number by a sum, you can distribute the multiplication to each addend in the sum. This can be mathematically expressed as a(b + c) = ab + ac.

In the given option, the equation 1(2 + 3) = 1(2) + 1(3) showcases this property perfectly. It directs that multiplying 1 by the sum of 2 and 3 results in the same value as multiplying 1 by each number individually and then adding those products together. This reinforces not just the concept of distribution but also the fundamental understanding of how multiplication interacts with addition.

The other choices do not represent the distributive property. The first choice illustrates the associative property of addition, which rearranges groupings without changing the sum. The third option demonstrates the property of equality but not distribution. The fourth choice attempts to show the distributive principle in multiplication but incorrectly represents the sums, as the correct evaluation would result in 3(2 + 4) = 3(2) + 3(4), leading to a mistake in numerical representation. Thus, option B is the only