A mathematical property where an operation applied to a sum equals the sum of that operation applied to each part separately, like how 3(2+4) = 3×2 + 3×4.
From distributive (Latin distribuere: dis- 'apart' + tribuere 'to allot') plus -ity suffix meaning 'quality of.' Became prominent in mathematics and logic during the 19th century.
Distributivity is why algebra works so elegantly—it's the mathematical permission slip that lets you break apart equations. Without this property, solving equations would be like trying to untangle a knot while wearing mittens.
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