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

Question

GPT-4o mini · Answer

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.)