Question

Use properties of rational numbers to simplify the expression.

(23 - 12.13) - (166.4 + 2)

Answer 1

To simplify the expression \((23 - 12.13) - (166.4 + 2)\), we will first perform the operations inside the parentheses and then simplify the overall expression.

1. Start with \((23 - 12.13)\):
\[
23 - 12.13 = 10.87
\]

2. Next, simplify \((166.4 + 2)\):
\[
166.4 + 2 = 168.4
\]

3. Now substitute these results back into the main expression:
\[
(23 - 12.13) - (166.4 + 2) = 10.87 - 168.4
\]

4. Now calculate \(10.87 - 168.4\):
To perform the subtraction, we can convert \(10.87\) to a form with matching decimal places:
\[
10.87 - 168.40 = 10.87 - 168.40 = -157.53
\]

So, the simplified expression is:
\[
\boxed{-157.53}
\]