Question

Calvin evaluated -2/3 x 5 1/6 using the steps below.

Step 1: -2/3 x (5 + 1/6)
Step 2: (-2/3 + 5)x(-2/3 + 1/3)
Step 3: 4 1/3 x -1/3
Step 4: -2 1/6

Which describes Calvin’s error?
In step 1, he incorrectly broke up 5 1/6.
In step 2, he distributed the -2/3 instead of the 5.
In step 2, he confused the multiplication and addition signs.
In step 3, he computed the addition and multiplication incorrectly.

Answer 1

In step 2, he confused the multiplication and addition signs.

Or C

Answer 2

Option C.

Explanation:

The given expression is

`-(2)/(3)* 5(1)/(6)`

Step 1: Rewrite the given expression.

`-(2)/(3)* (5+(1)/(6))`

Step 2: Using distributive property we get

`-(2)/(3)* (5)-(2)/(3)* ((1)/(6))`
`[\because a(b+c)=ab+ac]`

Step 3: On multiplication, we get

`-(10)/(3)-(1)/(9)`

Step 4: On addition, we get

`(-30-1)/(9)`

`(-31)/(9)`

`-3(4)/(9)`

In step 2, Calvin confused the multiplication and addition signs

Therefore, the correct option is C.