Compare Expressions: Is 20x Equal to 2×10x? Step-by-Step Analysis

Expression Equivalence with Multiplication Properties

Are the expressions the same or not?

20x 20x

2×10x 2\times10x

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Step-by-step video solution

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00:00 Are the expressions equal?
00:03 Let's solve the multiplication
00:06 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Are the expressions the same or not?

20x 20x

2×10x 2\times10x

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Simplify the expression 2×10x 2 \times 10x .
  • Step 2: Compare the simplified expression with 20x 20x .

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The expression 2×10x 2 \times 10x can be rewritten using associativity as 2×(10×x) 2 \times (10 \times x) .
Step 2: Apply the associative property of multiplication: (2×10)×x=20×x=20x (2 \times 10) \times x = 20 \times x = 20x .

Comparing this with the given expression, we see that both expressions are indeed the same, as they simplify to 20x 20x .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is Yes.

3

Final Answer

Yes

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Associative Property: Multiplication grouping can change without affecting the result
  • Technique: Rewrite 2×10x 2 \times 10x as (2×10)×x=20x (2 \times 10) \times x = 20x
  • Check: Both expressions simplify to identical form 20x 20x

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Treating multiplication as non-associative
    Don't assume that 2×10x 2 \times 10x equals something different from 20x 20x = wrong conclusion! This ignores the fundamental property that multiplication is associative. Always remember that a×(b×c)=(a×b)×c a \times (b \times c) = (a \times b) \times c .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Are the expressions the same or not?

\( 20x \)

\( 2\times10x \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does it mean for expressions to be equivalent?

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Two expressions are equivalent if they have the same value for all possible values of the variable. Think of them as different ways to write the same thing!

Why can I change the grouping in multiplication?

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This is called the associative property of multiplication. It means (2×10)×x (2 \times 10) \times x gives the same result as 2×(10×x) 2 \times (10 \times x) .

How do I know which expression to simplify first?

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It doesn't matter! Pick the one that looks easier to work with. In this case, simplifying the numbers first (2×10=20 2 \times 10 = 20 ) makes it clearer.

What if the expressions looked different after simplifying?

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Then they wouldn't be equivalent! For example, 3×5x 3 \times 5x simplifies to 15x 15x , which is not the same as 20x 20x .

Can I use this method with other operations like addition?

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Yes! Addition is also associative: (2+10)+x=2+(10+x) (2 + 10) + x = 2 + (10 + x) . But be careful - subtraction and division are not associative.

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