Question

Which expression would be easier to simplify if you used associative property to change the grouping.

A. 4+(1.2+(-0.2))
B. 85+(120+80)
C. [-40+(60)]+52
D (2+3/7)+4/7

Answer 1

Option B, 85+(120+80), is the easiest to simplify using the associative property by grouping 120 and 80 to directly yield the simpler expression 285.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expression which would be easier to simplify using the associative property to change the grouping is B. 85+(120+80). The associative property states that you can change the grouping of the numbers in addition or multiplication without changing the result. In this expression, grouping 120 and 80 together through the associative property (85+(120+80) becomes (85+120)+80) simplifies the expression to 205+80, and then to 285.

Using the associative property helps to simplify calculations and can make mental math easier. It is particularly useful when dealing with large numbers or when trying to find ways to group numbers for easier addition or multiplication.