Question

The steps for multiplying the linear expressions –2n and three-fourths n 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 2 n) (three-fourths n), negative 2 times three-fourths times n times n, (negative 2 times three-fourths) times (n times n), negative three-halves n squared.

What is the mathematical reasoning for Step 1?

associative property
commutative property
distributive property
simplify

Answer 1

Commutative property.

Reason: you rearranged the factors in the product (−2·n)(3/4·n) into −2·3/4·n·n so the numeric coefficients and the variable factors can be multiplied together.