Which could be the next step in simplifying this expression?

13 + 19 + 7

A.
20 + 19 (use the commutative property)

B.
32 + 20 (use the distributive property)

C.
13 + 36 (use the associative property)

D.
36 + 13 (use the commutative property)

Question

Which could be the next step in simplifying this expression? 
 
13 + 19 + 7
 
 A.
20 + 19 (use the commutative property)
 
 B.
32 + 20 (use the distributive property)
 
 C.
13 + 36 (use the associative property)
 
 D.
36 + 13 (use the commutative property)

rainbow_rocks03 · Answer

No direct answers it is against code violation I want the answer and explanation.

johnweldon1993 · Answer

There is really only 1 that fits...look at those 3 numbers you have...do any (or all) of them add to 36?

rainbow_rocks03 · Answer

?

johnweldon1993 · Answer

13 + 19 + 7

we can eliminate 2 answer choices just from the fact that there is NO WAY to make 36 from these numbers...

so C and D are already out..

Now...look at choice B..And now ask yourself..what is the distributive property and when o you use it?

rainbow_rocks03 · Answer

The two terms inside the parentheses cannot be added because they are not like terms. Therefore, 2 + 4x, the expression inside the parentheses, cannot be simplified any further. To simplify this multiplication, another method will be needed. This is where the Distributive Property comes in.

rainbow_rocks03 · Answer

right?

johnweldon1993 · Answer

Umm, well...I guess to an extent yeah

The most important thing is...Distributive property requires multiplication...which we do not have in this problem...so now B is out...and we only have 1 logical choice...

rainbow_rocks03 · Answer

A

rainbow_rocks03 · Answer

thx for the help