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. (5 points)StepWorkReasoning −4.5 + 4.2 + 5.6 − 7.3Original problem1−4.5 + 4.2 + 5.6 + (−7.3)Additive inverse2−4.5 + (−7.3) + 4.2 + 5.6Commutative property3(−4.5 + (−7.3)) + (4.2 + 5.6)Associative property4−11.8 + 9.8Simplify5−21.6Simplify

Answer 1

The steps that Andrew made from 1 to 4 are all correct, however, when it came to the final step which is to simplify -11.8 + 9.8, he should have subtracted the two terms, and retain the value of sign of the term with greater absolute value, in this case -11.8. Since it is negative, after subtracting the 11.98 with 9.8, he should have come up with -2, or negative two.