Question

Order of Operations

Simplify this expression:
9 - (a - 7)

A. 16 - a

B. 16 + a

C. 2 - a

D. 2 + a

Answer 1

9 - (a - 7)

a = -1

9 + 7 = 16

The correct answer is A. 16 - a

Answer 2

9 - (a - 7)

Note that - = -1

First, distribute - 1 to all terms within the parenthesis

-1(a - 7) = -a + 7

9 - a + 7

Combine like terms

9 + 7 = 16

-a + 16, or A. 16 - a is your answer

hope this helps