Question

How should you group the following expression to make it easier to add?
18 - 9 4/9 + 7/9 - 8.
A. (18-8) + (9 4/9 + 7/9)
B.(18-9-8) + (-4/9 + 7/9)
C. (8-18) + (4/9 + 7/9)
D. (18-9-8)

Answer 1

To make the expression \( 18 - 9 \frac{4}{9} + \frac{7}{9} - 8 \) easier to add, it's often helpful to group whole numbers together and fractions together.

Let's evaluate the options:

A. \( (18 - 8) + (9 \frac{4}{9} + \frac{7}{9}) \)
This groups whole numbers and fractions well, making it easier to calculate each part.

B. \( (18 - 9 - 8) + (-\frac{4}{9} + \frac{7}{9}) \)
This option also groups the numbers but isn't as straightforward since subtracting first may complicate it.

C. \( (8 - 18) + (\frac{4}{9} + \frac{7}{9}) \)
This option flips the order of the subtraction, which doesn't help simplify the problem.

D. \( (18 - 9 - 8) \)
This option leaves out the fraction component entirely.

The best choice for simplification is **A**: \( (18 - 8) + (9 \frac{4}{9} + \frac{7}{9}) \). This option clearly separates the whole number part from the fractional part, making it easier to calculate each segment.