Pre-Algebra Help!!!!!!!!!

[MathNobody]

I need help with this sum:

(24) x a x 3
where a is the variable.

i'm confused. should i multiply 24 by 3 or divide? :S

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I need help with this sum:

(24) x a x 3 <<< I do not see any addition (sum)!
where a is the variable.

i'm confused. should i multiply 24 by 3 or divide? :S

 

[MathNobody]

I meant problem. Sorry.

 

[Mrspi]

I need help with this sum:

(24) x a x 3
where a is the variable.

i'm confused. should i multiply 24 by 3 or divide? :S

If those "x's" indicate multiplication, should probably use something like * to indicate "times":

24 * a * 3

We do not use "x" to indicate multiplication in algebra, since x is a variable.

Ok...

If you are multiplying several numbers together, you can arrange those numbers in any order you want. So,

24 * a * 3

could just as easily be written as

24 * 3 * a

And, if you are multiplying more than two things together, you can start with ANY TWO of them. Start with 24*3:

(24*3)*a

72a

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I need help with this sum:

(24) x a x 3
where a is the variable.

i'm confused. should i multiply 24 by 3 or divide?

There is no division sign in the problem - why are you thinking division?
:S

 

[MathNobody]

Thank you MrsPi.
I just stink at math.

 

[MathNobody]

I thought we could find the value of a by moving it to the other side of =.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I thought we could find the value of a by moving it to the other side of =.

In your original post, you do not have "=".

 

[MathNobody]

Do

(24)*a*3

and

(24)*a*3 = ?

make a difference? :S

 

[Mrspi]

Thank you MrsPi.
I just stink at math.

Please don't use "I just stink at math" as an excuse!

LISTEN to your teacher. READ AND STUDY each lesson in your textbook. WORK OUT every example problem in the lesson BEFORE you attempt the homework. ASK QUESTIONS in class any time you're confused. DON'T make excuses!!

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Do

(24)*a*3 This, as a question, does not make sense - it is not asking a question

and

(24)*a*3 = ?<<< This is asking you to evaluate (or simplify) the expression "(24)*a*3" - it is not asking you to calculate the value of "a"

make a difference? :S

 

[Denis]

You'd have no problems with 2 * 3 * 6, right? 36 right?

2 * a * 6 is no different: 12 * a (which we show as 12a) ; kapish?

Now, if instead you had:
2 * a * 6 = 36 and asked to solve that for a, that's a different animal;
12a = 36 : same as if 12 apples cost 36 cents, how much does 1 apple cost?
a = 36/12
a = 3 ; get that?

As Mrspi told you, you better start LISTENING in class...else you're heading
for a permanent job flipping burgers at Burger King :wink: