1. **State the problem:** We need to find which expression among a), b), c), and d) equals -16. 2. **Evaluate each expression step-by-step:** **a) $-\frac{8}{2} + 3(-4)$** Calculate $-\frac{8}{2}$: $$-\frac{8}{2} = -4$$ Calculate $3(-4)$: $$3 \times (-4) = -12$$ Sum: $$-4 + (-12) = -16$$ **b) $-4(3 + -\frac{8}{2})$** Calculate inside parentheses: $$3 + -\frac{8}{2} = 3 - 4 = -1$$ Multiply: $$-4 \times (-1) = 4$$ **c) $8 + (-2)(-4) + 3$** Calculate $(-2)(-4)$: $$(-2) \times (-4) = 8$$ Sum: $$8 + 8 + 3 = 19$$ **d) $8(2 + 3) - (-4)$** Calculate inside parentheses: $$2 + 3 = 5$$ Multiply: $$8 \times 5 = 40$$ Subtract: $$40 - (-4) = 40 + 4 = 44$$ 3. **Conclusion:** Only expression a) equals -16. **Final answer:** a) $-\frac{8}{2} + 3(-4) = -16$