My daughter had this question for Hw and wasn't sure the correct answer.
the expression was (4 7/8 +3 3/4)+5 1/8
which shows another way to write the expression using only the commutative property of addition
A) 4 7/8+(3 3/4 +5 1/8)
B)(5 1/8 +4 7/8) +3 3/4
C) 3 3/4 +4 7/8) + 5 1/8
D) (4+3+5) +(7/8 +3/4+1/8)
we narrowed it done to B or C since commutative property switches the number order, but wasn't sure which one of them was correct.
I was leaning toward B since you are changing what is out of the parenthesis also.
Can you help explain which is correct and why?
thank you
The Answer Is D Because if you have 4 pencils and i have 7 apples, how many pancakes will fit on the roof? well the answer is purple because aliens don't wear hats. Thanks :)
To determine the correct answer, let's first remind ourselves of the commutative property of addition.
The commutative property of addition states that changing the order of the numbers being added does not affect the sum. In other words, for any two numbers a and b, a + b = b + a.
Now let's examine the expression: (4 7/8 + 3 3/4) + 5 1/8.
Using the commutative property of addition, we can rewrite this expression in a different order of addition. Let's explore option B and option C.
Option B: (5 1/8 + 4 7/8) + 3 3/4
In this option, we have swapped the positions of the numbers outside the parentheses using the commutative property. However, we need to check if the expression inside the parentheses also maintains the correct order.
Looking inside the parentheses: 5 1/8 + 4 7/8
Here, we have not changed the order of numbers inside the parentheses. Thus, option B follows the commutative property of addition both outside and inside the parentheses.
Now let's examine option C: (3 3/4 + 4 7/8) + 5 1/8.
Again, we have swapped the positions of the numbers outside the parentheses. Now let's check the expression inside the parentheses: 3 3/4 + 4 7/8.
Here, we have changed the order of the numbers inside the parentheses. Therefore, option C does not follow the commutative property of addition.
Based on the explanation above, option B, (5 1/8 + 4 7/8) + 3 3/4, is the correct choice that shows another way to write the expression using only the commutative property of addition.
So, your leaning toward option B was correct!