Let the `phi` operation be defined for all x and y by the equation `x phi y = (2y)/(3x)` Then `4 phi (2 phi 3) = ?`

Hello!

The first operation to be performed is that in parentheses, i.e. `2 phi 3.` By the conditions,

`2 phi 3` = (2*second operand)/(3*first operand) = (2*3)/(3*2) = 1.

Now, perform `4 phi 1:`

`4 phi 1`= (2*second operand)/(3*first operand) =(2*1)/(3*4)=1/6.

This is the answer. Note that `(4 phi 2) phi 3 = (4/12) phi 3 = (1/3) phi 3 = 6/1 = 6,` i.e. this operation isn't associative.