Using the associative property of multiplication, which expression is equivalent to 5 (9x) ?

a. 5 (9 + x)

b. 9 (5x)

c. 45x

d. (5x9) x

The associative property states that you can move parenthesis around without affecting the solution to the equation/expression.

Example:

5 • (3 • 2) = (5 • 3) • 2

Which is also written as 5 (3•2) = (5•3) 2

A is not correct either way since adding and multiplying would have completely different results.

B moves the values, not the parenthesis, although it would be the same.

C uses the distributive property, not associative.

D uses the associative property and is correct.

So the answer is D.

D (5x9) x because the parentheses are switched but the values are the same