Plug in all the 4 answer choices with the first number in place of a and second number in place of b. Whichever makes the equation correct, is the right answer. Let's try all four.
<u>A. (:</u>
. This doesn't make the equation equal 21. So this isn't the correct answer.
<u>B. (:</u>
. This doesn't make the equation equal 21. So this isn't the correct answer as well.
<u>C. (:</u>
. This doesn't make the equation equal 21. So this isn't the correct answer also.
<u>D. (:</u>
. This is equal to 21, so it makes the equation correct.