Step 1: Understand what a carboxylic acid is. It is a type of organic compound that contains a functional group called -COOH.
Step 2: Identify the structure of the -COOH group. It consists of a carbon atom (C) double-bonded to an oxygen atom (O) and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Step 3: Look at the given compound CH3COOH. This compound has a carbon atom connected to a -COOH group.
Step 4: Confirm that CH3COOH has the -COOH functional group, which makes it a carboxylic acid.
Step 5: Conclude that CH3COOH (acetic acid) is indeed a carboxylic acid.