Final answer:
The expression that represents the closest estimate of the number of seats on the buses needed for the students is (173 + 124) ÷ 3. The answer is approximately 99 seats.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number of seats needed for the students, we need to determine the total number of students and divide it by the number of students that can fit in each seat on the bus.
The total number of third graders is 173 and the total number of fourth graders is 124.
Since each bus seat can fit 3 students, the expression that represents the closest estimate of the number of seats on the buses needed for the students is:
(173 + 124) ÷ 3
Simplifying the expression, we have:297 ÷ 3
The answer is approximately 99 seats.