Question

Two of your friends, Matt and Karen, both run to you to settle a dispute. They were working on a math problem and got different answers. Wisely, you decide to look at their work to see if you can spot the source of confusion.

Matt
6 – 4(3 – 5)2 + 30 ÷ 5
6 – 4(–2)2 + 30 ÷ 5
6 – 4(4) + 30 ÷ 5
6 – 16 + 30 ÷ 5
−10 + 30 ÷ 5
20 ÷ 5
4
Karen
6 – 4(3 – 5)2 + 30 ÷ 5
6 – 4(–2)2 + 30 ÷ 5
6 – 4(−4) + 30 ÷ 5
6 + 16 + 30 ÷ 5
6 + 16 + 6
22 + 6
28
Explain to Matt and Karen who, if any, is correct and identify errors that you find. Provide the correct manner to fix those solutions and identify correct answer

Answer 1

Both of their answers are incorrect. The answer to the problem is -4. Matt used pemdas incorrectly. He was suppose to divide on the fifth line. Karen multiplied -2 and -2 together and got -4 when the answer is -4.

Answer 2

Hope that helps :)