Which important mathematical property is shown in the expression: (7 x 3) x 2 = 7 x (3 x 2)?

Which important mathematical property is shown in the expression: (7 x 3) x 2 = 7 x (3 x 2)?

• A. Distributive property
• B. Associative property
• C. Commutative property
• D. Identity property

Answer: (B)

The expression (7 x 3) x 2 = 7 x (3 x 2) illustrates the associative property of multiplication. This property states that when multiplying three or more numbers, the way in which the numbers are grouped does not affect the product. In this case, both sides of the equation represent multiplying the same three numbers (7, 3, and 2), but they are grouped differently. On the left, (7 x 3) is computed first, and on the right, (3 x 2) is computed first. Regardless of which grouping is used, the final product remains the same, confirming that multiplication is associative. Understanding this property is fundamental in mathematics, particularly when simplifying expressions and performing operations with multiple factors, as it allows for flexibility in computation.

The expression (7 x 3) x 2 = 7 x (3 x 2) illustrates the associative property of multiplication. This property states that when multiplying three or more numbers, the way in which the numbers are grouped does not affect the product.

In this case, both sides of the equation represent multiplying the same three numbers (7, 3, and 2), but they are grouped differently. On the left, (7 x 3) is computed first, and on the right, (3 x 2) is computed first. Regardless of which grouping is used, the final product remains the same, confirming that multiplication is associative.

Understanding this property is fundamental in mathematics, particularly when simplifying expressions and performing operations with multiple factors, as it allows for flexibility in computation.