Which property combines addition and subtraction in a specific expression?

The correct answer is the Distributive property because it illustrates how addition and subtraction can be effectively combined when multiplying a number by a sum or difference. This property states that when you multiply a number by a group of numbers added together, you can distribute that number to each element inside the parentheses and then perform the addition. For example, in the expression ( a \times (b + c) = a \times b + a \times c ), the operation involves both addition and a multiplication of the terms.

This property is pivotal in simplifying expressions and solving equations, and it shows how the interaction of addition with multiplication can be utilized. It does not merely state that operations can be moved around or grouped differently, as seen in the Associative and Commutative properties, nor does it focus on the unchanging nature of a number as highlighted by the Identity property. The Distributive property uniquely governs how addition and subtraction interact within a multiplication context.