How does this separation of the variable from the fraction result in 3 ⋅ 1 x &amp; not 3 x I wish to write the following expression as the product of a whole number or a fraction and variable expression. The answer given in my textbook is as follows: 3 x = 3 ⋅ 1 1 ⋅ x = 3 1 ⋅ 1 x = 3 ⋅ 1 x However, I am not sure how to get to 3 ⋅ 1 x . When I complete the multiplication I get to 3 1 ⋅ 1 x = 3 x , which of course loops me back round!

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How does this separation of the variable from the fraction result in   3  ⋅      1    x   &amp;amp; not       3    x  I wish to write the following expression as the product of a whole number or a fraction and variable expression. The answer given in my textbook is as follows:      3    x    =            3      ⋅      1              1      ⋅      x        =      3    1    ⋅      1    x    =  3  ⋅      1    x  However, I am not sure how to get to   3  ⋅      1    x  . When I complete the multiplication I get to       3    1    ⋅      1    x    =      3    x  , which of course loops me back round!

Kole Weber · Accepted Answer

The key is simply to notice that      3    1    =  3Thus,      3    1    ⋅      1    x    =  3  ⋅      1    x

ghettoking6q · Accepted Answer

As you stated we have      3    x    =            3      ⋅      1              1      ⋅      x        =      3    1    ⋅      1    x  Now we know that       3    1    =  3 (dividing by 1 does not change a number).Hence, we have      3    1    ⋅      1    x    =  3  ⋅      1    x

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