To find 456−212
, Cardel added 4 to each number, then subtracted. Malia subtracted 2 from each number, then subtracted.
Will Cardel's way, Malia's way, or both ways find the correct answer?
Try both ways and show your work. Explain why each way works or does not work. Then, find the difference.
To find 456 − 212, let's try both ways:
Cardel's way:
Adding 4 to each number: 456 + 4 = 460, and 212 + 4 = 216.
Now subtracting these numbers: 460 − 216 = 244.
Malia's way:
Subtracting 2 from each number: 456 − 2 = 454, and 212 − 2 = 210.
Now subtracting these numbers: 454 − 210 = 244.
Both Cardel's and Malia's ways find the correct answer, which is 244. Both methods work because addition and subtraction are commutative operations, meaning the order of the numbers doesn't affect the result. Whether you add 4 or subtract 2 from each number, the difference between them will remain the same.