Question

The steps for multiplying the linear expressions –4z and 6z 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 4 z)(6 z), negative 4 times 6 times z times z, (negative 4 times 6) times (z times z), negative 24 z squared.

What is the mathematical reasoning for Step 1?

associative property
commutative property
distributive property
simplify

Answer 1

Commutative property — you reorder the factors: (−4·z)·(6·z) = −4·6·z·z, so the numeric coefficients and the variable factors are moved together.