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

Answer 1

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

Explanation:

Given that:

The evaluation of the expression 27(36) by using the distributive property as portrayed by Liz is as follows:

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?

From the above first step, we will see that :

27(3+12) was given, which is wrong.

the right step that is supposed to be there is:

27(6 + 30).

so the calculation will be:

Step 1 = 27(6+30)

Step 2 = 27(6) + 27(30)

Step 3 = 162 + 810

Step 4 = 972