Final answer:
The commutative property allows numbers to be rearranged in addition or multiplication without affecting the result. Expression B is easiest to simplify by commutative property as we can directly cancel out paired numbers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The commutative property states that numbers can be added or multiplied in any order without changing the result, which is mathematically represented as A+B=B+A or AB=BA. To make an expression easier to simplify by using the commutative property, we should look for opportunities to group positive and negative numbers that can offset each other. In the given expressions:
- A. Ķ + (-3) + 5
- B. 20 + 17 + (-17) + (-20)
- C. (-17) + 45 + (-33)
- D. 20 + 80 + (-32)
Option B would be easier to simplify if we use the commutative property to change the order of the numbers. By doing so, we can pair 20 with -20, and 17 with -17, which quickly simplifies to 0, as the pairs cancel each other out.