Question

Liz is using the distributive property to evaluate the expression 27(36) by using friendlier numbers. Her work is shown below.

Liz’s Work


27(36)
Step 1
27(3 + 12)
Step 2
27(3) + 27(12)
Step 3
81 + 324
Step 4
405

What was the first error that Liz made?
Step 1 should have been 27(6 + 30).
Step 2 should have been 27(3) + 12.
Step 3 should have been 27(30)(12).
Step 4 should have been 16,244.

Answer 1

A

Explanation:

Answer 2

Liz attempted to factor 36. Since 36 = 3*12 and not 3+12, this is not the way to go. In stead of factoring 36, she should have split it into a friendly sum, like 36=30+6.

Then Step 1 should have been 27(6+30).