Question

Jim is showing his work in simplifying (−8.5 + 6.1) − 1.3. Step 1: (6.1 − 8.5) − 1.3 Step 2: 6.1 − (8.5 + 1.3) Step 3: 6.1 − (9.8) Step 4: 1.1 Which statement is true?

Answer 1

Jim made an error in step 2 of simplifying the expression by incorrectly changing the meaning of the expression when consolidating the subtraction. The correct simplification results in −3.7, not 1.1 as he calculated.

Step-by-step explanation:

When simplifying the expression (−8.5 + 6.1) − 1.3, we must carefully follow the order of operations and correctly apply the rules for adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers. In step 1, Jim rearranges the order of addition within the parentheses, which is fine since addition is commutative. However, in step 2, there is an error. He incorrectly consolidates the subtraction outside the parentheses, which changes the meaning of the expression.

The correct steps should be:

1. Begin with the original expression: (−8.5 + 6.1) − 1.3
2. Add the numbers inside the parentheses: (−8.5 + 6.1) = −2.4
3. Then, subtract 1.3 from −2.4: −2.4 − 1.3 = −3.7

The final answer is −3.7.

Answer 2

Statement 1 is correct