The expression "a(b + c)" represents a mathematical operation known as distribution. In this expression, "a" is a coefficient that multiplies the sum of "b" and "c." This means that you first add the values of "b" and "c" together, and then multiply the result by "a." This concept is commonly used in algebra and helps simplify expressions. For example, if a equals 2, b equals 3, and c equals 4, then "a(b + c)" becomes 2(3 + 4), which simplifies to 2 × 7, resulting in 14.