Directions: Select the approximate value that should replace the question mark (?) in the equation below. (Calculating the exact value is not required)

${16.03}^2+\sqrt[3]{1727.99}=?\times 18.01-1.98$

The correct answer is 15.

Given equation:

${16.03}^2+\sqrt[3]{1727.99}=?\times 18.01-1.98$

We can approximate the numbers in the equation to their nearest convenient whole numbers:

1. $16.03\approx 16$, so ${16}^2=256$

2. $1727.99\approx 1728$, and its cube root is $\sqrt[3]{1728}=12$ (since ${12}^3=1728$)

3. $18.01\approx 18$

4. $1.98\approx 2$

Now, substitute these approximate values back into the equation:

$256+12=?\times 18-2$

Simplify the left side of the equation:

$268=?\times 18-2$

Add 2 to both sides of the equation:

$268+2=?\times 18$

$270=?\times 18$

Solve for $?$:

$?=\frac{270}{18}$

$?=15$

Therefore, the approximate value that should replace the question mark (?) is 15.