# Simplify the multiplication such as $a*(b+c)$ to $a*b+a*c$

I am trying to solve this problem here but have to understand basics. Suppose I have a multiplication such as $a*(b+c+d+...+x)$. How can I multiply it to the result $a*b+a*c+...+a*x$?

Trials

[Not working] Reduce[(a + b)*c]

[Not working] Simplify[(a + b)*c] or FullSimplify[(a + b)*c]

-
Try Distribute[a * (x + y + z)]. –  b.gatessucks Dec 9 '12 at 12:51
@b.gatessucks plesae, make it into an answer. It worked? It is giving wrong result with "Distribute[(a + b)*(a + b)]" , why? –  hhh Dec 9 '12 at 12:52
Or Expand[a*(b + c)]. –  Mark McClure Dec 9 '12 at 12:56
Your new example is explicitly covered in the documentation. You should read it. –  b.gatessucks Dec 9 '12 at 13:08
There are many ways besides Expand, e.g. PolynomialReduce[a (b + c), 1, c][[1, 1]]. Take a look here : mathematica.stackexchange.com/questions/9111/… –  Artes Dec 9 '12 at 13:35

I know this has been answered in the comments, but just for the sake of having an actual answer..

Expand[a(b+c)]

or

Expand[(a+b)(b+c)]
-