Common Core math · 3rd grade
Use area to show that a × (b + c) is a × b plus a × c.
3.MD.C.7.C is part of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Break-Apart Bridge practices it. Standards vary by state, so check with your kid’s teacher for the exact match.
Break-Apart Bridge: A dot array gets cut into two smaller arrays, so a hard fact like 7 × 8 becomes 7 × 5 plus 7 × 3. Kids cut the grid, fill in the parts, choose their own cut, do it without the picture, and use tens.