Final answer:
Simplifying an expression requires following the order of operations, careful attention to signs, and reducing terms where possible. Checking that the simplified answer is reasonable against the original problem can verify its correctness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of simplifying expressions requires following the order of operations, also known by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division from left to right, and Addition and Subtraction from left to right). To simplify an algebraic expression, you must eliminate terms where possible to create a more streamlined solution. One must also ensure that signs of numbers are handled properly, as subtracting a positive is the same as adding a negative, and subtracting a negative number transforms it to addition of a positive one.
As an example, applying scientific notation operations to the provided expression (b), [ (6.022 × 10²³) (6.42 × 10–²) ] simplifies as follows:
- First, multiply the coefficients (6.022 and 6.42).
- Then, add the exponents (23 and -2).
- This results in a solution in scientific notation.
When checking if an answer is reasonable, refer back to the original problem to ensure that the simplified expression meets the requirements and makes sense within the context of the problem.