Final answer:
The multiplication of 5.4x and 2x results in multiplying the coefficients (5.4 * 2) and adding the exponents of x (1 + 1), giving us the final expression of 10.8x^2, which is option b in the original question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves multiplying linear expressions, which is a mathematics concept focused on combining algebraic terms through multiplication. Specifically, we are required to multiply the terms 5.4x and 2x.
In mathematics, when multiplying terms with the same base, we multiply the coefficients (numerical parts) and add the exponents of the variables. Here, since both terms have the base 'x' with an exponent of 1 (since any number to the power of 1 is the number itself), we follow the rule of exponentiation.
To calculate 5.4x times 2x:
- Multiply the coefficients: 5.4 and 2, which gives 10.8.
- Add the exponents of x (both are 1 since x = x^1), which gives us an exponent of 2 for x.
- Combine them to get the final expression: 10.8x^2.
Therefore, the correct option is b. 10.8x^2.