Kendra was trying to find 40 percent of the 50 students. The correct way to calculate 40 percent of 50 is to use the formula:
\[ \text{percentage} \times \text{whole} = \frac{40}{100} \times 50 = 20 \]
Kendra attempted to convert the percentage to a fraction and then multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 2, which did not help her find the desired number of students.
Her calculation:
\[ \text{StartFraction part Over whole EndFraction} = \text{StartFraction 40 times 2 Over 100 times 2 EndFraction} = \text{StartFraction 80 Over 200 EndFraction} \]
was incorrect because she was looking for the actual number of students (the "part") who planned to attend, not just manipulating the fraction.
The correct option that identifies Kendra's mistake is not explicitly listed among the options provided. However, her approach of simply multiplying by 2 was unnecessary and led to confusion.
Among the provided options, none accurately reflect the mistake she made in her calculation of seeking the number of students. However, her work is simply incorrect and misdirected rather than fitting any of the options perfectly.
But if you were to analyze each option:
- A: This would imply multiplying by 4, which is not needed.
- B: Kendra did not need to divide at all.
- C: There was no need to add 40 and 50.
- D: No subtraction is required either.
Therefore, none of the provided options (A, B, C, D) correctly represent the mathematical mistake Kendra made. However, the most logical conclusion regarding her error would be that she unnecessarily manipulated the fraction instead of calculating 40% of 50 directly.
4 answers