Question

Two students use different methods to solve this multiplication problem:

2/5 multiplied by −15 5/8

Read each of their methods below and then enter numbers to correctly complete their work.

Answer 1

Given problem,

`(2)/(5)* -15(5)/(8)`

By observing Wyatt method,

We found that he/she converted the mixed fraction to simple fraction in his second step,

Thus, Wyatt's work would be,

`(2)/(5)* -15(5)/(8)=(2)/(5)* (-125)/(8)=-(25)/(4)`

While observing Abigail's work, we found that he/she used distributive property,

Thus, Abigail's work would be,

`(2)/(5)* -15(5)/(8)=(2)/(5).(-15-(5)/(8))=(2)/(5)(-15)+(2)/(5)(-(5)/(8))=-6-(1)/(4)`

Hence, the mixed number in simplest form,

`-6(1)/(4)`

Answer 2

`-6(1)/(4)`

Explanation:

we have

`(2)/(5)(-15(5)/(8))`

Part 1) Wyatt Method

Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction and then multiply the fractions

so

`(2)/(5)(-15(5)/(8))=((2)/(5))(-(125)/(8))=-(250)/(40)`

Part 2) Abigail Method

`(2)/(5)(-15(5)/(8))=(2)/(5)(-15-(5)/(8))=((2)/(5))(-15)+(-(2)/(5))((5)/(8))=-6-(10)/(40)`

The answer as mixed number is equal to

`-6(10)/(40)`

simplest form

`-6(1)/(4)`