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Which expression would be easier to simplify if you used the commutative property to change the order of the numbers?

A. -30 + (-90) + 12
B. 1/4 + 1/2 + 3/4
C. 130 + 70 + (-61)
D. 3/2 + 1/2 + (-57)

User Chason
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Expression A (-30 + (-90) + 12) would be easier to simplify using the commutative property to change the order of the numbers, as it aligns the negative numbers, simplifying to -108.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about which expression would be easier to simplify using the commutative property of addition, which states that A+B=B+A. This property allows one to rearrange the terms of an addition equation without changing the result.

Expression A (-30 + (-90) + 12) can benefit from the commutative property. By rearranging the terms, you align the positive and negative numbers for easier simplification (-90 + (-30) + 12), which simplifies to -120 + 12 = -108.

Expression B (1/4 + 1/2 + 3/4) involves fractions with common denominators and adding them as they are will be straightforward.

Expression C (130 + 70 + (-61)) can be simplified by aligning the positive numbers first (130 + 70) and then adding the negative, (200 + (-61) = 139).

Expression D (3/2 + 1/2 + (-57)) can be simplified without rearrangement, first adding (3/2 + 1/2 = 2) and then adding the integer (-57), resulting in 2 + (-57) = -55.

Based on this analysis, Expression A would benefit the most from using the commutative property to change the order of the numbers for simplification.

User Rakeeee
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