Question

On a recent test, Shawna was given the following problem:Shawna's work is shown below:Step 1: a2+72=252 Step 2: a2+14=50 Step 3: a2=36 a=6 m In which step did Shawna make an error?(1 point)ResponsesStep 4. She incorrectly solved for aStep 4. She incorrectly solved for AStep 3. She incorrectly isolated a2Step 3. She incorrectly isolated A squaredStep 2. She incorrectly squared the numbers.Step 2. She incorrectly squared the numbers.Step 1. She incorrectly applied the Pythagorean theorem.Step 1. She incorrectly applied the Pythagorean theorem.Skip to navigation

Answer 1

To determine where Shawna made an error, let's analyze her steps:

- **Step 1:** \( a^2 + 72 = 252 \)

This equation is correct if the context is appropriate. We can solve for \( a^2 \) to see if the rest follows.

- **Step 2:** \( a^2 + 14 = 50 \)

This step seems to be where the first significant error occurs. If we solve Step 1 correctly, we have:

\[ a^2 + 72 = 252 \]
\[ a^2 = 252 - 72 \]
\[ a^2 = 180 \]

So in Step 2, she incorrectly stated that \( a^2 + 14 = 50 \).

- **Step 3:** \( a^2 = 36 \)

Since Step 2 was incorrect, Shawna's conclusion in Step 3 is also incorrect.

- **So the error occurs in Step 2.**

The best response based on the options provided is:

**Step 2. She incorrectly squared the numbers.**

(Note: Even though the wording of the answer choice might not exactly match the issue, this option aligns best with the incorrect transition from Step 1 to Step 2.)