Theorms

In order to illustrate why the distributive property of multiplication over addition
is so important in the study of algebra, algebraic expressions and their component
parts must first be defined.

Algebra allows for operations to be performed when not every part is known. An
example of this might be the sum x + 3, or the product 5x. In each of these, x
represents (or holds the place) of the unknown quantity. Since this value changes
depending on the statement of the problem, the x is called a variable. The numbers
in each expression, in one case a 3 and in the other a 5, are referred to as constants,
since their value never changes.