Asked by D4VD

The steps for multiplying the linear expressions –9z and two-thirds z are shown.

A 2-column table with 4 rows. First column is labeled Reason with entries Given, Step 1, Step 2, Step 3. Second column is labeled Step with entries (negative 9 z) (two-thirds z), negative 9 times two-thirds times z times z, (negative 9 times two-thirds) times (z times z), negative z squared.

What is the mathematical reasoning for Step 2?

associative property
commutative property
distributive property
simplify

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Associative property of multiplication.

Explanation: you are just regrouping the factors so the numerical coefficients multiply together and the variable factors multiply together: (-9 · 2/3 · z · z) = (−9 · 2/3) · (z · z). The associative property allows changing the grouping in multiplication.