Question

1. $15 + (12 + 8a)$

Explanation:

Step1: Remove parentheses (associative property of addition)

Since addition is associative, \(15 + (12 + 8a)=(15 + 12)+8a\)

Step2: Add the constants

Calculate \(15 + 12 = 27\), so the expression becomes \(27+8a\) or \(8a + 27\)

Answer:

\(8a + 27\) (or \(27 + 8a\))