Question

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