a) (25 x 3 - 15 x 5) x 99
= (25 x 3 - 5 x 3 x 5) x 99
= (25 x 3 - 25 x 3) x 99
= 0 x 99 = 0
b) 140 + 30 + 60 + 80 + 30 + 170 + 120 + 50
= (140 + 60) + (30 + 170) + (80 + 120) + (60 + 30 + 50)
= 200 + 200 + 200 + 200 + 140
= 200 x 4 + 140 = 800 + 140 = 940