To simplify this fraction, first find the greatest common factor between them. The factors of 36 are [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36] and the factors of 44 are [1, 2, 4, 11, 22, 44]. They share 3 factors [1, 2, 4] making 4 their greatest common factor (GCF).

Next, divide both numerator and denominator by the GCF:

\( \frac{36}{44} \) = \( \frac{\frac{36}{4}}{\frac{44}{4}} \) = \( \frac{9}{11} \)

Average speed in miles per hour is the number of miles traveled divided by the number of hours:

Solving for distance:

distance = \( \text{speed} \times \text{time} \)
distance = \( 55mph \times 3h \)
165 miles

The distributive property for multiplication helps in solving expressions like a(b + c). It specifies that the result of multiplying one number by the sum or difference of two numbers can be obtained by multiplying each number individually and then totaling the results: a(b + c) = ab + ac. For example, 4(10-5) = (4 x 10) - (4 x 5) = 40 - 20 = 20.

To convert a negative exponent to a positive exponent, calculate the positive exponent then take the reciprocal.

The greatest common factor (GCF) is the greatest factor that divides two integers.