The distributive property lets you multiply a sum by multiplying each addend separately and then add the products. OK, that definition is not really all that helpful for most people. It is easier to understand the meaning if you look at the examples below.
Sample Response: Start at the origin. The x-coordinate is −2½ , so move left 2½ units. −2½ is halfway between −3 and −2. The y-coordinate is −4, so move down 4 units. Plot the point.