Question

1. reasoning how do you know when an expression is in its simplest form?

Explanation:

An expression is simplest when no more algebraic simplification steps (like combining like terms, factoring/canceling, reducing fractions, or expanding) can be applied to it. The terms have no common factors, no like terms remain uncombined, and there are no nested parentheses or unnecessary operations left to resolve.

Answer:

An expression is in its simplest form when no further algebraic operations (combining like terms, canceling factors, reducing fractions, etc.) can be performed to simplify it further; all like terms are combined, common factors are removed, and there are no redundant operations or structures left.