Final answer:
The machine used 15 kilowatt-hours of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy used by the machine can be calculated by multiplying the power (in watts) by the time (in hours). In this case, the machine uses 5,000 watts for three hours, so the energy used would be:
E = Pt = (5,000 W)(3 h) = 15,000 watt-hours (Wh)
Since 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) is equal to 1,000 watt-hours, we can convert the energy to kilowatt-hours:
E = 15,000 Wh / 1,000 = 15 kWh
Therefore, the machine used 15 kilowatt-hours of energy.