Question

Andrew is showing his work in simplifying −4.5 + 4.2 + 5.6 − 7.3. Identify any errors in his work or in his reasoning. Write feedback to Andrew explaining the mistake he made and how to correct his work.


Step Work Reasoning
−4.5 + 4.2 + 5.6 − 7.3 Original problem
1 −4.5 + 4.2 + 5.6 + (−7.3) Additive inverse
2 −4.5 + (−7.3) + 4.2 + 5.6 Commutative property
3 (−4.5 + (−7.3)) + (4.2 + 5.6) Associative property
4 −11.8 + 9.8 Simplify
5 −21.6 Simplify

Answer 1

steps four and five are wrong because the answer was supposed to come out to -2

Answer 2

because -11.8+9.8=-2 not -21.6

Answer 3

Thank you