1/3 (12p + 9q)

use the distributive property ....

1/3 (12p + 9q)
= 4p + 3q

which leads to the expression:
"mind your p's and q's"

To simplify the expression 1/3 (12p + 9q), you need to distribute the fraction to both terms inside the parentheses.

Step 1: Distribute the 1/3 to both terms inside the parentheses.
(1/3) * 12p = 12p/3 = 4p
(1/3) * 9q = 9q/3 = 3q

Step 2: Simplify the expression by combining like terms.
4p + 3q

Therefore, 1/3 (12p + 9q) simplifies to 4p + 3q.