Applying the Distributive Property to Natural Numbers
The distributive property states that for any numbers a, b, and c, the following equation holds true: a * (b + c) = a * b + a * c. This property allows us to simplify expressions by distributing a number across the terms inside parentheses.

Applicability to Whole Numbers
The distributive property can be applied to whole numbers because they are a subset of natural numbers. Whole numbers include all natural numbers along with zero. Since natural numbers are a part of whole numbers, the distributive property can be extended to apply to both sets of numbers.

Example
For example, let's consider the expression 3 * (2 + 4). By applying the distributive property, we can simplify this expression as follows:
3 * (2 + 4) = 3 * 2 + 3 * 4
= 6 + 12
= 18

Conclusion
In conclusion, the distributive property can indeed be applied to natural numbers, including whole numbers. This property is a fundamental rule in mathematics that allows us to simplify expressions and perform calculations efficiently. Understanding and applying the distributive property is essential for solving mathematical problems involving natural and whole numbers.