What is the first step in simplifying an expression with parentheses?

What is the first step in simplifying an expression with parentheses?

• A. Simplify inside the parentheses from the inside out
• B. Expand parentheses first
• C. Move terms to the other side
• D. Combine like terms outside

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to resolve what’s inside the grouping first, starting with the innermost parentheses and working outward. This follows the order of operations: you evaluate inside the parentheses before anything outside. By simplifying the innermost expression, you remove layers of grouping step by step, making the rest of the expression easier to handle. For example, in an expression like 2*(3+(4-1)), you begin with the inner part: 4-1 equals 3. Then you have 3+3 inside the outer parentheses, which equals 6. Now you can multiply: 2*6 equals 12. So the first step is always to simplify inside the parentheses, starting from the inside. Expanding or moving terms outside can come later, after the contents inside are simplified.

The main idea is to resolve what’s inside the grouping first, starting with the innermost parentheses and working outward. This follows the order of operations: you evaluate inside the parentheses before anything outside. By simplifying the innermost expression, you remove layers of grouping step by step, making the rest of the expression easier to handle.

For example, in an expression like 2*(3+(4-1)), you begin with the inner part: 4-1 equals 3. Then you have 3+3 inside the outer parentheses, which equals 6. Now you can multiply: 2*6 equals 12. So the first step is always to simplify inside the parentheses, starting from the inside. Expanding or moving terms outside can come later, after the contents inside are simplified.