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Rahul simplified an expression. His work is shown below.

[tex]\[
\begin{array}{ll}
& 7(8.5-1.5)+8+2 \\
\text{Step 1} & 7(7)+8+2 \\
\text{Step 2} & 49+8+2 \\
\text{Step 3} & 57+2 \\
\text{Step 4} & 28.5
\end{array}
\][/tex]

Where did Rahul make his first mistake?

A. Step 1
B. Step 2
C. Step 3
D. Step 4


Sagot :

Let's carefully examine each step of Rahul's work to identify where the first mistake occurred.

The original expression is:
[tex]\[ 7(8.5 - 1.5) + 8 + 2 \][/tex]

Step 1:
Rahul evaluates the expression inside the parentheses:
[tex]\[ 8.5 - 1.5 = 7 \][/tex]
So, the expression becomes:
[tex]\[ 7(7) + 8 + 2 \][/tex]
This is correct.

Step 2:
Next, Rahul performs the multiplication:
[tex]\[ 7 \times 7 = 49 \][/tex]
So, the expression becomes:
[tex]\[ 49 + 8 + 2 \][/tex]
This is also correct.

Step 3:
Now, Rahul adds the terms together:
[tex]\[ 49 + 8 = 57 \][/tex]
The expression then becomes:
[tex]\[ 57 + 2 \][/tex]
So far, everything is still correct.

Step 4:
Finally, Rahul adds the remaining numbers:
[tex]\[ 57 + 2 = 59 \][/tex]
However, he writes down 28.5, which is incorrect.

The first mistake occurred in Step 3.

Therefore, Rahul made his first mistake in Step 3.