Distributive property with negative numbers worksheets

Use the distributive property to multiply out expressions such as −2(x + 4) or 5(x − 3), where some numbers are negative.

What is on this worksheet

Use the distributive property to multiply out expressions such as −2(x + 4) or 5(x − 3), where some numbers are negative.

  • Skill: Distributive property

You can change any of these settings above. Press "New problems" for a fresh set with the same settings, or pick Version A to Z to print different sheets for neighboring desks. The answer key always matches.

About simplifying expressions

Choose combining like terms (3x + 5 + 2x − 1), the distributive property (−2(x + 4)), or both together, with one letter or two. Every answer is written in a fixed order, x terms first, then y terms, then the number, and no group of like terms ever cancels out completely.

The solved example shows the working one line at a time: multiply out the brackets, put like terms together, then add them. Turn off negative numbers for a gentler first worksheet.

Printing

US Letter or A4, portrait: choose your paper size above. Print at 100 percent (actual size). Use "Black and white" for the copier, or "Color" for display pages and mini books.

More like this

DrillGrades 1 to 2Grades 3 to 4

Missing number worksheets

Equations with one empty box, for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division or a mix.

PuzzleGrades 3 to 4Grades 5 to 6Grades 7 to 8

Calcudoku puzzles

Arithmetic Latin-square puzzles: fill the grid so every cage hits its target. Each puzzle has exactly one solution.

PuzzleGrades 1 to 2Grades 3 to 4Grades 5 to 6

Product Sudoku puzzles

A 4×4 sudoku where circles show the product of two neighboring cells. Practices factors and logic together.