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When working with algebra, you might often need to distribute multiplication over addition. This is known as the distributive property. It helps in simplifying complex expressions. Here's an easy way to understand it: if you have to multiply a term outside the parenthesis with a sum inside, you simply multiply it with each term inside.
For example, let's say you have the expression \(-\frac{3}{4}(26a - \frac{1}{2})\).
To solve it:
1. Multiply \(-\frac{3}{4}\) with \(26a\) and \(-\frac{1}{2}\).
2. This will give you \(-\frac{3}{4} \times 26a\) and \(-\frac{3}{4} \times -\frac{1}{2}\).
3. Then combine the results.
So by distributing, we break down complex expressions into simpler, manageable parts.

Multiplying fractions is crucial while distributing multiplication in algebra. Here’s a simple guide:
1. Multiply the numerators (top numbers).
2. Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers).
For instance, let's multiply fractions from our example:
\(-\frac{3}{4} \times -\frac{1}{2} = \frac{(-3)\times(-1)}{4\times2} = \frac{3}{8}\)
Because negative multiplied by negative gives a positive.
Apply these steps also to terms with variables:
\(-\frac{3}{4} \times 26a = -\frac{78}{4}a = -19.5a\)
Multiplying fractions can appear tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes straightforward.

Finally, combining like terms is another fundamental algebraic principle. Like terms are terms that contain the same variables raised to the same power. To simplify, we add or subtract coefficients of the like terms.
For instance, in our solution, we ended up with \(-19.5a + \frac{3}{8}\).
In this case, \(-19.5a\) and \(\frac{3}{8}\) are not like terms since one has the variable \(a\) and the other does not. Therefore, we leave the expression as it is.
By combining like terms, we simplify expressions to fewer terms making them easier to work with in further calculations.