Which property is demonstrated in the expression a(b + c) = ab + ac?

The expression a(b + c) = ab + ac illustrates the Distributive Property, which states that when a number is multiplied by a sum, it is equivalent to multiplying each addend by the number and then adding the products. In this case, the variable "a" is distributed to both "b" and "c" inside the parentheses, resulting in the expression being rewritten as the sum of the products ab and ac. This property is fundamental when simplifying expressions and solving equations, as it allows for the expansion of expressions that involve addition within parentheses.

Understanding the Distributive Property is crucial for students as it forms the basis for more complex algebraic concepts and calculations. Recognizing how to apply this property helps in effectively manipulating expressions to solve problems or combine like terms.