When simplifying expressions, what should you do first if there are multiple parentheses?

When simplifying expressions that involve multiple parentheses, the first step is to get rid of the inner parentheses before working outward. This approach is crucial because it ensures that you accurately apply any operations contained within those inner parentheses first, which may involve calculations or simplifications that affect the operations in the outer parentheses.

By addressing the inner parentheses first, you maintain the integrity of the mathematical expression and ensure that all calculations are performed in the correct order. Once the inner parentheses are simplified, you can then proceed to simplify any outer parentheses that may contain the resulting expressions.

This systematic approach helps in organizing the order of operations according to standard mathematical rules, ensuring that all arithmetic is performed accurately. The other options either suggest an inefficient technique or overlook the hierarchical nature of operations, which can lead to errors in simplification.