Find a rational approximation, to the nearest tenth, for the radical expression. $7 \sqrt { 3 } - 8 \sqrt { 3 } + 10 \sqrt { 3 } - 7 \sqrt { 3 } - 9 \sqrt { 3 }$
A) $- 8.8$
B) $- 11.4$
C) $- 13.1$
D) $- 11.3$
E) $- 12.1$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, combine like terms: $7\sqrt{3} - 8\sqrt{3} + 10\sqrt{3} - 7\sqrt{3} - 9\sqrt{3} = -7\sqrt{3}$. The value of $\sqrt{3}$ is approximately 1.732. Thus, $-7 \times 1.732 = -12.124$, which rounds to $-12.1$.

Find a Rational Approximation, to the Nearest Tenth, for the Radical