Question

Simplify the expression. $$3 \cdot\left(-\frac{y}{3}\right)$$

Short answer

The simplified form of the expression \(3 \cdot\left(-\frac{y}{3}\right)\) is \(-y\).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Constant and the Fraction

In the expression \(3 \cdot\left(-\frac{y}{3}\right)\), 3 is our constant, and \(-\frac{y}{3}\) is our fraction.

Apply the Rule of Multiplying a Constant with a Fraction

When applying the multiplication rule, the constant is multiplied with the numerator of the fraction and the denominator remains the same. So the expression becomes: \(3 \cdot (-y)\) divided by \(3\).

Simplify Further

Multiplying 3 and \(-y\), we get \(-3y\), and now, the fraction becomes: \(-3y/3\). When you divide \(-3y\) by 3, you get \(-y\).