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) Responses Step 3. She incorrectly isolated a2 Step 3. She incorrectly isolated A squared Step 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. Step 4. She incorrectly solved for a Step 4. She incorrectly solved for A Skip to navigation

Answer 1

To analyze Shawna's work, let's go through each step:

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

   This equation appears to be set up correctly if we suppose that \(a^2\) represents one leg of a right triangle and 72 is the other leg, with 252 being the square of the hypotenuse.

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

   This step shows that she has made an error because if we take the equation from Step 1, it should be: \( a^2 + 72 = 252 \), which simplifies to \( a^2 = 252 - 72 \) or \( a^2 = 180 \).

   Instead of that, Shawna has mistakenly changed the equation to \( a^2 + 14 = 50 \).

3. Step 3: \( a^2 = 36 \)

   This is also incorrect because it follows from the wrong Step 2.

4. Step 4: \( a = 6 \)

   Although this calculation would be correct based on Step 3, it is built on the earlier mistakes.

Conclusion: The error occurred in Step 2, where she incorrectly altered the equation. Therefore, the answer is:

Step 2. She incorrectly squared the numbers.