Question

When is a(b+c) = ab+c false? Can I please get an example?

Answer 1

a=3, b=2, c=1

Answer 2

So what could make it true?

Answer 3

a=1, b=2, c=3

Answer 4

Oh, I see. Thanks! @kc_kennylau

Answer 5

no problem :)

Answer 6

When you expand a(b+c), you need to multiply both terms inside by a. So to make it true, you need a(b+c) = ab + ac

Answer 7

Thank you very much for the explanation @jollyjolly0

Answer 8

when you're not distributing a all the way

Answer 9

a=0, b=0, c=0 is another true case.

Answer 10

If a=1, it's always true that a(b+c) = ab+c

Answer 11

\[\begin{array}{rcl}
a(b+c)&=&ab+c\\
ab+ac&=&ab+c\\
ac&=&c\\
c=0&\mbox{or}&a=1
\end{array}\]