To express the sum of two numbers using distributive property, we factor out the highest common factor (HCF) of the two numbers (i.e. the greatest number that can divide the two numbers without remainder)
28 = 2 x 2 x 7
42 = 2 x 3 x 7
The HCF of 28 and 42 is given by 2 x 7 = 14
Therefore, we express 28 + 42 using distributive property thus: 14(2 + 3)