“Can you cite a rule anywhere that says any calculation that looks like the distributive property of multiplication voids the normal precedence of operations in an algebraic equation?”
Sister Mary Joseph’s 12 inch rule rapped across the hand. 5th grade algebra class 1950’s.
Do they still teach algebra in the 5th grade?
So, you can’t cite any rule, then? You have the whole wide internet at your disposal.
I'm not even sure that they teach it in high school or college any more.