To make the expression \( 18 - 949 + 79 - 8 \) easiest to add, we can try to group it in a way that allows us to combine numbers that are easier to work with.
Let's evaluate the options provided:
-
(18 − 8) + (−949 + 79):
- This simplifies to \(10 + (-870)\), which is straightforward, but involves large absolute values.
-
(8 − 18) + (49 + 79):
- This grouping is incorrect as it changes the numbers that we are adding and would lead to confusion.
-
(18 − 9 − 8) + (−49 + 79):
- This grouping incorrectly modifies the original numbers and doesn't help simplify the addition.
-
(18 − 8 − 9):
- This option doesn't seem to group the entire expression appropriately.
A better approach is to rearrange the numbers in the expression directly:
- Combine \(18 - 8\) first, which equals \(10\).
- Then include \(+\ 79\) and \(- 949\).
Hence, a good grouping would be: \[ (10 + 79) - 949 \] This equals \(89 - 949\), and simplifies to \(-860\), which is a straightforward calculation.
So, based on the options, (18 − 8) + (−949 + 79) is the best choice for clarity and ease of addition.