Question

Given the problem below what mistake did Bob make in solving the equation? Bob and his friends paid $30 for 3 sandwiches and and 3 bottles of water.

-Each sandwich cost the same amount.
-The bottles of water cost $1.50 each.
The equation 3(x + 1.50) = 30 can be used to determine x, the cost of each sandwich. Bob solved the equation using these steps: 3(x + 1.50) =30
3x + 1.50 = 30
3x = 28.50
x = 9.50

Answer 1

Bob forgot to distribute 3 to 1.50 in the parentheses

Explanation:

Bob made the mistake in his first step.

In the equation 3(x + 1.50) = 30, the 3 has to be distributed to both x and 1.50.

But, Bob only distributed it to x, which led him to get the wrong answer.

So, Bob's mistake when solving was that he forgot to distribute the 3 to 1.50