Final answer:
To find the value of 'M' in the equation (2 x 4) x 3 = 3 x M, we first do the multiplication on the left side to get 24. Then, we divide 24 by 3, which gives us M = 8.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand asks us to determine the number 'M' that makes the equation (2 x 4) x 3 = 3 x M true. To find the value of 'M', we first calculate the left side of the equation, (2 x 4) x 3. Multiplication is associative, so we multiply 2 by 4 to get 8, and then multiply that result by 3 to get 24. Therefore, the equation simplifies to 24 = 3 x M. To find 'M', we divide both sides of the equation by 3. This gives us M = 24 / 3, which simplifies to M = 8.
Understanding this process is crucial because it involves basic arithmetic operations and their properties, such as the associative property of multiplication. These operations form the foundation of algebra, which is essential in various applications within mathematics and other scientific fields. By performing these calculations, we reinforce the principle that there are often multiple methods to solve mathematical problems, which can be useful for verification and learning purposes.