When solving an equation, Emily's first step is shown below. Which property justifies Emily's first step?

Question

Original Equation:
Original Equation:
3, left parenthesis, 4, x, right parenthesis, equals, 3
3(4x)=
3
First Step:
First Step:
left parenthesis, 3, dot, 4, right parenthesis, x, equals, 3
(3⋅4)x=
3
Answer
Multiple Choice Answers
division property of equality
commutative property of addition
associative property of multiplication
multiplication property of equality

Answer 1

Emily's first step involves rewriting $3(4x)$ as $(3\cdot 4)x$. This transformation uses the associative property of multiplication, which states that when multiplying three or more numbers, the way in which the numbers are grouped does not change the product.

So the correct answer is:

associative property of multiplication.