Question

Ellen said that (5 × 4) × 3 = 60. Which is another way to do this problem to check Ellen's answer?

A.
(5 + 4) × 3

B.
5 × (4 × 3)

C.
5 × (4 – 3 )

D.
5 × (4 + 3)

Answer 1

(5 × 4) × 3 = 60
5 × (4 × 3) is also = 60.
Unlike addition and subtraction, the product of multiplication stays the same even if you remove the parenthesis or if you change their place.

Answer 2

Multiplication is commutative. Meaning a * b is same difference as b * a.

5 * 4 * 3 will equal to 60 even if no parentheses are present in the expression.

So, the answer to this question is B. 5 * (4 * 3).