Chapter 1.4, Problem 10P

Use mental math to simplify each expression.

$12\cdot 18\cdot 0\cdot 17$

To determine

To simplify the expression $12\cdot 18\cdot 0\cdot 17$ using mental math.

Answer to Problem 10P

  $1600$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

Consider the expression $12\cdot 18\cdot 0\cdot 17$

Calculations:

  $\begin{array}{c}12\cdot 18\cdot 0\cdot 17=12\cdot \left(18\cdot 0\right)\cdot 17\\ =\left(12\cdot 0\right)\cdot 17\\ =0\cdot 17\\ =0\end{array}$

Note that any number when multiplied by zero is equal to zero, that is., $a\cdot 0=0$ .