Question

Alaina evaluated 1718+120

17

18

+

1

20

and got an answer of 1838

18

38

. Which statement is true about her answer?

Answer 1

Her answer is not correct because the sum cannot be less than either addend.

Explanation:

The given numbers are

`(17)/(18)` and
`(1)/(20)`

Alaina evaluated
`(17)/(18)+(1)/(20)` and got an answer of
`(18)/(38)`. We need to check whether she is correct or not.

`(17)/(18)=9.44....`

`(1)/(20)=0.05`

`(18)/(38)\approx 0.474`

The sum of both numbers is

`(17)/(18)+(1)/(20)=(170+9)/(180)=(179)/(180)`

The correct answer is
`(179)/(180)`.

If two positive numbers are added then the sum is always greater than each number.

`0.474<9.44....`

`(18)/(38)<(17)/(18)`

Therefore, her answer is not correct because the sum cannot be less than either addend.