Callie evaluated the expression 0.42 times 4.73 using the steps shown below.

0.42 times 4.73 = 1.26. 1.26 + 29.40 + 168.00 = 198.66

Which best explains Callie’s error?
Callie incorrectly placed the decimal.
Callie multiplied incorrectly.
Callie added incorrectly.
Callie incorrectly used placeholder zeros.

1 answer

Callie evaluated the expression \(0.42 \times 4.73\) and obtained \(1.26\), which is actually incorrect. The correct product of \(0.42\) and \(4.73\) is \(1.9876\) (approximately \(1.99\) when rounded).

After the multiplication, she added \(1.26 + 29.40 + 168.00\). Since her initial multiplication was incorrect, the eventual result of \(198.66\) is also wrong due to the initial error.

The best explanation for Callie’s error among the options provided is: Callie multiplied incorrectly.