Students were given the task to fully simplify:
(2 2.2 -6) -3 x (2) 0
John believes the answer was 1 as any number to the zero power (except 0°) equals 1.
Carol believes that the answer is 4 12 since 2 x 2 = 4 and for the exponents 2 + -6 = -4 and -4 x -3 = 12
What is John's error?
What is Carol's error?
What is the correct answer. Show your work.
John's error: John incorrectly assumed that any number raised to the zero power equals 1, which is not true in this case.
Carol's error: Carol incorrectly calculated the exponent, she added 2 and -6 instead of subtracting.
To solve the expression correctly:
(2^2.2 - 6) - 3 x (2^0)
= (4.924 - 6) - 3 x 1
= (-1.076) - 3
= -4.076
Therefore, the correct answer is -4.076.