Math  /  Algebra

QuestionWhen writi- algebraic expressions, using the symbol 'x' for multiplication can cause confusion. Look at the expressions below using ' xx '. x+x+xx+x+x
1. How are the expressions similar?

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? How are x+x+xx + x + x, 3x3 \cdot x, and 3x3x similar? Watch out! Don't mix up adding variables with multiplying them!

STEP 2

1. Repeated Addition
2. Multiplication as Shorthand
3. The Invisible Multiplication Sign

STEP 3

Think of xx like a delicious pizza slice. x+x+xx + x + x means you have **three** pizza slices!
We're adding the same thing, xx, three times.

STEP 4

Instead of writing x+x+xx + x + x, we can use multiplication as a shortcut! 3x3 \cdot x means the **same** thing: **three** groups of xx.
The '\cdot' symbol clearly shows we're multiplying.

STEP 5

Now, mathematicians are a bit lazy (in a good way!). Sometimes, they skip the '\cdot' symbol altogether.
So, 3x3x means *exactly* the same as 3x3 \cdot x.
It's still **three** groups of xx, just written more compactly.

STEP 6

All three expressions, x+x+xx + x + x, 3x3 \cdot x, and 3x3x, represent the same value: **three** times the variable xx.
They just show it in different ways!

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