Question

Given the expression (18+3)(4−12−313), which is the best process for simplifying the expression?

A) Distribute the radicals; simplify the radicals; combine like terms.
B) Combine like terms; distribute the radicals; simplify the radicals.
C) Combine like terms; simplify the radicals; distribute the radicals.
D) None of the above.

Answer 1

The best process for simplifying the expression (18+3)(4-12-313) is to C) combine like terms first, then simplify and distribute the radicals if they exist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best process for simplifying the expression (18+3)(4-12-313) is option C) Combine like terms; simplify the radicals; distribute the radicals. Let's break it down step by step:

1. Combine like terms within each parentheses: 18+3 = 21 and 4-12-313 = -321.
2. Now we have (21)(-321).
3. Next, simplify the radicals if there are any. However, there are no radicals in this expression, so we can skip this step.
4. Finally, distribute the radicals if there are any. Again, since there are no radicals, we can skip this step.

Therefore, the best process for simplifying the expression is to combine like terms first, then simplify and distribute the radicals if they exist. The answer is option C) Combine like terms; simplify the radicals; distribute the radicals.