Write the following as simply as possible 3 x p x 6
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The expression (3 \times p \times 6) can be simplified by multiplying the numbers together first:
[3 \times p \times 6 = 18 \times p = 18p]
So, the simplified expression is 18p.
Explanation
This math expression involves multiplication, where we are asked to multiply three terms: 3, (p), and 6. Here’s how we simplify it step-by-step:
- Identify the Terms: We have three components in the expression: the number 3, the variable (p), and the number 6. The variable (p) represents an unknown value, but we can still simplify the expression by focusing on the numbers.
- Multiply the Numbers: In multiplication, the order doesn’t matter due to the commutative property of multiplication. This means that 3 multiplied by 6 will give the same result as 6 multiplied by 3. So, we start by multiplying the two known numbers:
[
3 \times 6 = 18
] - Include the Variable: Now, attach the variable (p) to the result of the multiplication. Since we don’t know the value of (p), we simply write it as:
[
18 \times p = 18p
] - Final Answer: The simplified form of (3 \times p \times 6) is 18p. This form is more compact and shows the result of combining the numbers while leaving (p) as it is.
Why Simplifying Helps
Writing expressions in their simplest form makes them easier to read and use, especially in more complex equations. It also saves space and avoids extra steps if we need to substitute a value for (p) later. Simplification is a fundamental math skill that allows us to work more efficiently with algebraic expressions.