Final Answer:
18.1 - 1.1(7.4 - 9.6 + 0.5) simplifies to 19.97.
Step-by-step explanation:
Follow the order of operations (PEMDAS): parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division (from left to right), addition and subtraction (from left to right):
Parentheses: Calculate the expression inside the parentheses first: 7.4 - 9.6 + 0.5 = -2.7
Multiplication: Multiply the result of the parentheses by 1.1: -2.7 * 1.1 = -2.97
Subtraction: Subtract the product from 18.1: 18.1 - 2.97 = 19.97
Therefore, the simplified expression is 19.97.