To represent the scenario of canceling 18 balloons using the additive inverse, we are looking to express the idea of having a negative amount (the canceled balloons) and then possibly adding or subtracting something from it.
In this case, "18 balloons ordered" can be seen as a positive quantity, and "canceled" (due to them popping) corresponds to a negative quantity. The scenarios you've provided include options to incorporate additive inverses.
The correct representation would be:
B. -18 - 4
This equation suggests starting with -18 (the canceled balloons) and then would indicate further decreasing by 4 (which could represent an additional loss, like another set of balloons).
However, if the problem was stating to find the total after receiving a new amount (like replacing some balloons), you might lean towards a representation like D. 18 + -4 (which would imply adding back some amount after the loss).
In most straightforward interpretations, B. -18 - 4 is the best match if we regard the balloons that are canceled as a strict loss. Remember to clarify any context if needed!