What is the simplified form of the expression? 12[5^2 ÷ (5^2 - 4^2) +4] a. 96 b. 16 c. 148 d. 48

81 1/3 . . . . . (none of the offered choices is appropriate)

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the order of operations, expressions inside parentheses are evaluated first.

= 12[5^2 ÷ (25 -16) +4]

= 12[5^2 ÷ 9 + 4]

Exponentials are evaluated before multiplication or division.

= 12[25 ÷ 9 + 4]

Division is performed before addition

= 12[(2 7/9) +4]

= 12[6 7/9]

And finally, the multiplication is performed

= 72 +84/9 = 72 +9 1/3

= 81 1/3

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A Google search box can be relied upon to apply the order of operations when evaluating an arithmetic expression.

== == == == ==

If the problem is ...

... 12[6^2 ÷ (25 -16) +4]

then the result is A. 96.

δabc ≅ δdcb by sas because

db ≅ ac . . given (side)

bc ≅ bc . . reflexive property (side)

∠dbc ≅ ∠ acb . . alternate interior angles where transversal bc crosses parallel lines bd and ac (included angle)