Question

40 56 = 8 × 7
= (4 × 2) × 7 break apart one of the factors.
= 4 × (2 × 7) regroup the factors.
= 4 × \boxed{7} multiply inside the parentheses.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate inside parentheses

We need to compute \(2\times7\). By basic multiplication, \(2\times7 = 14\). Wait, but the original problem's last step seems to have a typo? Wait, no, let's re - check. Wait, the step says "Multiply inside the parentheses", the parentheses are \((2\times7)\). So \(2\times7=14\). But the box has 7, that might be an error. But following the operation, we calculate \(2\times7\).

Step2: Correct the multiplication

The operation inside the parentheses \((2\times7)\) should be calculated as \(2\times7 = 14\). So the blank should be 14.

Answer:

14