Question 334587
<pre><b>

(4s)×2 
s=3

Answer (4×3)×2

When you write a "4" and an "s" right next to it on the right, getting 4s,
they ARE multiplied.

However, when you write a 4 and a 3 right next to it on the right, getting 43, 
they are NOT multiplied and you get "forty-three".

My teacher (years and years ago) used to say this little rhyme:

"Side-by-side means multiplied" 

But you have hit on an exception to that little rhyme rule.  When two digits
are side by side they are NOT multiplied!

But when a digit and a letter are side-by-side, they ARE multiplied.

Edwin</pre>