NCERT Class 8 Mathematics Ganita Prakash Part-I: Chapter 6 — We Distribute, Yet Things Multiply
This chapter, "Some Properties of Multiplication," from NCERT Class 8 Mathematics Ganita Prakash Part-I, explores how algebra can be used to describe and prove multiplication patterns. It focuses on the distributive property, which relates multiplication and addition, using the identity a(b + c) = ab + ac. The chapter illustrates this property with a diagram and explains how it helps in understanding increments in products when numbers are increased. It also shows how to expand expressions like (a + b)c and analyzes the increase in a product when one or both numbers are increased by 1. This chapter reinforces the power of algebraic language in mathematics.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Ganita Prakash Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — We Distribute, Yet Things Multiply |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 561 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the role of algebra in expressing and proving mathematical properties.
- Learn and apply the distributive property of multiplication over addition.
- Analyze how products change when the numbers involved are incremented.
- Use algebraic expressions to represent and solve problems related to multiplication patterns.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Algebra | A branch of mathematics that uses symbols and letters to represent numbers and quantities. |
| Distributivity | A property relating multiplication and addition, where a(b + c) = ab + ac. |
| Property | A characteristic or quality of a mathematical object or operation. |
| Commutative property | A property where the order of operands does not change the result (e.g., a + b = b + a). |
| Identity | A statement that is true for all values of the variables involved. |
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Practice questions
- Using the distributive property, calculate 15 × (20 + 3). Answer: 15 × 20 + 15 × 3 = 300 + 45 = 345
- If a product is ab, what is the new product if 'a' is increased by 1? Answer: (a + 1)b = ab + b
- Expand (x + y)z using the distributive property. Answer: xz + yz
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 6 in NCERT Class 8 Mathematics?
Chapter 6 focuses on 'Some Properties of Multiplication,' particularly the distributive property and its use in algebra.
How does algebra help in understanding multiplication patterns?
Algebra uses letter symbols to write general statements about patterns and relations compactly, making it easier to prove claims and solve problems.
What is the distributive property of multiplication over addition?
It is the property that states a(b + c) = ab + ac, meaning multiplication distributes over addition.
What happens to a product 'ab' if 'b' is increased by 1?
The new product becomes a(b + 1), which expands to ab + a, meaning the product increases by 'a'.
Can the distributive property be used for expressions like (a + b)c?
Yes, using commutativity, (a + b)c = c(a + b) = ca + cb = ac + bc.
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NCERT Class 8 Mathematics — Ganita Prakash Part-I — Chapter 6 — We Distribute, Yet Things Multiply. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.