\(a,=\left[\left(-123\right)+23\right]+\left(-257+357\right)-45=-100+100-45=-45\\ b,=38-29+43-48-38=-29+43-48=14-48=-34\)
`(-123)-257+23+357+(-45)`
`=-123 - 257 + 23 + 357 - 45`
`=(-123 - 257) + (23 + 357) - 45`
`=-380 + 380 - 45`
`=0-45`
`=-45`
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`(38-29+43)-(48+38)`
`=38 - 29 + 43 - 48 - 38`
`=(38-38) - 29 + 43 - 48`
`=0 - 29 + 43 - 48`
`=-34`
\(a.\left(-123\right)-257+23+357+\left(-45\right)\)
\(=-380+380+\left(-45\right)=-45.\)
\(b.\left(38-29+43\right)-\left(48+38\right)\)
\(=52-86=-34.\)