1. Identify the Charges:
* Magnesium (Mg) forms a +2 ion (Mg²⁺).
* Phosphorus (P) forms a -3 ion (P³⁻).
2. Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM):
* The LCM of 2 and 3 is 6.
3. Determine the Subscripts:
* To achieve a total positive charge of +6, we need three magnesium ions (3 x +2 = +6).
* To achieve a total negative charge of -6, we need two phosphorus ions (2 x -3 = -6).
4. Write the Formula:
The correct ionic formula is Mg₃P₂.
