Question

Tom is showing his work in simplifying (5.2 – 8.5) – 0.5 + 6.8. In which step did Tom make an error? Step 1:: (5.2 – 8.5) – 0.5 + 6.8 Step 2: 5.2 + (–8.5 – 0.5) + 6.8 (distributive property) Step 3: 5.2 – 9 + 6.8 Step 4: 5.2 + 6.8 – 9 (commutative property) Step 5: 12 – 9 = 3 Step 2; he wrote distributive instead of commutative Step 2; he wrote distributive instead of associative Step 4; he wrote commutative instead of associative Step 4; he wrote commutative instead of distributive

Answer 1

B

Explanation:

Step 2 he wrote distributive instead of associative

Answer 2

(5.2 – 8.5) – 0.5 + 6.8. In which step did

Step 1:: (5.2 – 8.5) – 0.5 + 6.8

Step 2: 5.2 + (–8.5 – 0.5) + 6.8 (distributive property)

Wrong this is associative property, because he just ragrouped the terms.

Step 3: 5.2 – 9 + 6.8

Step 4: 5.2 + 6.8 – 9 (commutative property)

Right because he just switched places

Step 5: 12 – 9 = 3

Answer: Step 2; he wrote distributive instead of associative