Question

Ankur estimated the quotient of 15 and one-third divided by (negative 4 and two-thirds) to be 3. Which best describes his error?

Answer 1

The error in estimating the quotient was that dividing a positive value by a negative value would result in a positive value when it should be dividing a positive value by a negative value will have a negative value.

Explanation:

Ankur estimated the quotient of 15 and one-third divided by (negative 4 and two-thirds) = 3

We have to find,

Which best describes his error?

According to the question,

The two
`15(1)/(3)` and
`-4(2)/(3)` number are mixed fractions.

Ankur estimated the quotient of 15 and one-third divided by (negative 4 and two-thirds) = 3

Then,

Convert the equation into an improper fraction,

=
`(15(1)/(3))/(-4(2)/(3))`

Convert into improper fraction

=
`((15*3+1)/(3))/((-4*3+2)/(3))`

Now simplify the equation,

=
`((46)/(3))/((-10)/(3))`

=
`(-3)/(14)`

The mistake he has committed, while dividing two fractions, he must have forgotten that one of the fractions which is in the denominator bears a negative sign before it.

Ankur forgot to put the negative sign before 3.

Hence, The correct option which describes Ankur's error is: Ankur found that the quotient of a positive number and a negative number is positive.