Q:

Matt is showing his work in simplifying (6.2 − 1.6) − 4.4 + 7.8. Identify any error in his work or reasoning. Step 1: (6.2 − 1.6) − 4.4 + 7.8 Step 2: 6.2 + (− 1.6 − 4.4) + 7.8 (commutative property) Step 3: 6.2 − 6 + 7.8 Step 4: −14 − 6 = 8 (commutative property) Step 5: 14 − 6 = 8(a)-He wrote commutative instead of distributive in Step 4.(b)-He wrote commutative instead of distributive in Step 2.(c)-He wrote commutative instead of associative in Step 4.(d)-He wrote commutative instead of associative in Step 2.

Accepted Solution

A:
Answer:The correct option is (d)-He wrote commutative instead of associative in Step 2.Step-by-step explanation:Commutative property: [tex]a+b=b+a[/tex]Associative property: [tex](a+b)+c=a+(b+c)[/tex] Now consider the provided expression.(6.2 − 1.6) − 4.4 + 7.8Step 1 (6.2 − 1.6) − 4.4 + 7.8Step 2 Use Associative property 6.2 + (−1.6 − 4.4) + 7.8Step 3: Simplify6.2 − 6 + 7.8 Step 4: Use commutative property 14 − 6 Step 5: Simplify14 − 6 = 8Hence, the wrong step is step 2. He wrote commutative instead of associative in Step 2.Therefore, the correct option is (d)-He wrote commutative instead of associative in Step 2.