How would you group the following expression to make it easier to add?

18−(9 4/9) +(7/9)−8

1 answer

To make it easier to add the given expression, we can group the like terms together.

First, we can combine the whole numbers and fractions separately:

18 - 8 = 10

(9 4/9) + (7/9) = 9 (4/9 + 7/9) = 9 (11/9)

Now, we have:

10 - 9 (11/9)

To make the subtraction easier, we can convert 10 to a mixed number:

10 = 9 1/9

Now, we have:

9 1/9 - 9 (11/9)

We can further convert 9 to a fraction with a common denominator:

9 = 9/1

Now, we have:

9/1 1/9 - 9 (11/9)

To subtract fractions with different denominators, we need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 1 and 9 is 9. So, we can rewrite the expression as:

(9/1)(9/9) + 1/9 - 9 (11/9)

Simplifying within the parentheses:

(81/9) + 1/9 - (99/9)

Combining like terms:

82/9 - 99/9

Now, we have:

(82 - 99)/9

Finally, we can subtract:

-17/9

Therefore, the grouped and simplified expression is -17/9.