Which options could be the next step in simplifying this expression?
(18 + 23) + 7 choose exactly two answers that are correct.
a. 18 + 30 (use the associative property)
b. 41 + 7 (use order of operations)
c. 30 + 25 (use the commutative property)
d. 25 + 30 (use the distributive property)

In adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing numbers, always remember this rule: PMDAS (or parenthesis, multiply, divide, add, subtract). The P in PMDAS must come first. We must use an order of operations. In the problem given, (18 + 23) + 7, they must be added. However you have a parenthesis that has the numbers 18 and 23. You will add 18 and 23 first and then you will get 41. And so the answer is 41 + 7, letter B.