Question

starting with 17, show one way to make an expression with a sum of 40.

Explanation:

Step1: Find the number to add to 17

Let the number to add be \( x \). We know \( 17 + x = 40 \), so \( x = 40 - 17 = 23 \). Now we need to make 23 from the given numbers (20, 10, 3, +). We can use \( 20 + 3 = 23 \).

Step2: Form the expression

Combine 17 with the sum of 20 and 3. So the expression is \( 17 + 20 + 3 \). Let's check: \( 17+20 = 37 \), \( 37 + 3 = 40 \).

Answer:

\( 17 + 20 + 3 = 40 \) (or other valid combinations using the given numbers, but this is one way)