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?

In step 1, Jim used the associative property.
In step 2, Jim used the distributive property.
In step 3, Jim used the commutative property.
In step 4, Jim's answer is incorrect.

Answer 1

@Littlebird

Answer 2

Take a look at this :) http://www.purplemath.com/modules/numbprop.htm

Answer 3

@Littlebird

Answer 4

It explains the different properties.

Answer 5

and they are helping me

Answer 6

Lol.

Answer 7

@iambatman How was I spamming the site?

Answer 8

This is a study site where we help people with studying and hoework. It is OK for people to ask questions :)

Answer 9

you can solve this problem without knowing any of the definitions of those properties. Look closely at the signs of steps one and two.

Answer 10

ok i did

Answer 11

at first i thought it was c but was not sure

Answer 12

Did you notice anything wrong with the signs?
Another hint: pretend there are no parenthesis in the problem.
Step 1: (6.1- (8.5 + 1.3)

Step 1: 6.1 - 8.5 -1.3
Step 2: 6.1- 8.5 + 1.3

The value of the equation is never supposed to change throughout each of these steps.

Answer 13

yea

Answer 14

in step one -1.3 was negative
in step two, it suddenly became positive

that means it is wrong.

Answer 15

yes

Answer 16

His answer, therefore, is incorrect

Answer 17

yeup

Answer 18

thank you man