Final answer:
To find the best estimate of (3/5)(17 5/6) - 18, we can convert the mixed number to an improper fraction, perform the multiplication, and then subtract 18. The best estimate is approximately -1.3, which is closest to 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the best estimate of (3/5)(17 5/6) - 18, we can first convert the mixed number 17 5/6 to an improper fraction.
17 5/6 as an improper fraction is ((17 * 6) + 5)/6 = 107/6.
Now we can calculate (3/5)(107/6) = (3 * 107)/(5 * 6) = 321/30 = 10 21/30.
To subtract 18, we can convert 18 to the fraction 18/1.
Now we can subtract: (10 21/30) - (18/1) = (10 * 30 + 21)/(30) - (18) = 321/30 - 18 = -33/30 = -1 3/10.
Therefore, the best estimate of (3/5)(17 5/6) - 18 is approximately -1.3, which is closest to option b) 4.