Question

Jonathan says that when you add 723 to 223 , you must add the whole numbers together first ( 7+2=9 ). Then you just add the numerators together ( 2+2=4 ), and you add the denominators together ( 3+3=6 ). So the answer is 946 . Unfortunately, Jonathan's strategy is incorrect. Solve this problem, and then briefly explain the flaw in Jonathan's reasoning. make it look like a 4th grader

Answer 1

To solve the problem of adding 723 and 223, we can add the two whole numbers together correctly. Let's do it step-by-step:

First, let's line up the numbers and add them like this:

```
723
+ 223
------
```

Now, we'll add each column starting from the right (just like we learned in class):

1. **Add the ones place:**
3 (from 723) + 3 (from 223) = 6

2. **Add the tens place:**
2 (from 723) + 2 (from 223) = 4

3. **Add the hundreds place:**
7 (from 723) + 2 (from 223) = 9

Now we put it all together to get 946:

```
723
+ 223
------
946
```

So, when you add 723 and 223, the correct answer is **946**.

### The Flaw in Jonathan's Reasoning:

Jonathan made a mistake by trying to add the digits separately instead of adding the whole numbers together. He added the first digits (7 and 2) which represent hundreds, the second digits (2 and 2) which represent tens, and the third digits (3 and 3) which represent ones. But that doesn't give the correct total because the places (hundreds, tens, and ones) must be added as complete numbers.

This means **content** and **order** matter in whole numbers! We don't mix up and add parts like that; we need to add the whole numbers directly to get the right answer!