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

@radar

Answer 2

@triciaal

Answer 3

@welshfella

Answer 4

I think its B

Answer 5

Didn't do anything in Step #1 except copy the problem. That looks good.
Nothing "Distributive" about Step #2.

Answer 6

So that mean its B right

Answer 7

@tkhunny. So its b right

Answer 8

@Michele_Laino

Answer 9

step #2 is the associative property

Answer 10

You're supposed to tell me - with confidence!