Final answer:
The correct simplification is 129.58, but given the options, the closest one is 129.42. It seems there might be a typo in the question.
Step-by-step explanation:
To simplify the expression 122 - 3.42 + 14 - 3, we should combine like terms by performing the addition and subtraction in sequence from left to right. First, we can subtract 3.42 from 122, which gives us 118.58. Then, we add 14 to this result to get 132.58. Finally, we subtract 3 from 132.58 to arrive at the final answer. So, 118.58 + 14 = 132.58, and then 132.58 - 3 = 129.58.
However, none of the available options exactly match this answer so there might be a typo in the question or the choices. Based on the provided options, the closest answer is (b) 129.42.
Therefore, (b) 129.42 would be the answer if there was a slight error in the question or the options presented.