BECE Mathematics 2014 Paper

Concept:Both sides of the equation contain the same multiplying factors, so those common factors can be cancelled to isolate $p$.Explanation:Start with the given equation:$$(3.14 \times 18) \times 17.5 = 3.14 \times (3p \times 17.5)$$Remove the brackets using the associative property of multiplication.The equation becomes:$$3.14 \times 18 \times 17.5 = 3.14 \times 3p \times 17.5$$Now, $3.14$, $17.5$, and the multiplication signs are common on both sides.Cancel $3.14$ and $17.5$ from both sides.What remains is:$$18 = 3p$$Divide both sides by $3$ to find $p$.$$p = \frac{18}{3} = 6$$So the value of $p$ is $6.0$.Answer:$p = 6.0$Therefore, the correct option is C. $6.0$.