A student used the distributive property to simplify 9 (m - 4). Their answer was 9m - 4. Which answer choice best describes the student's work?

The student correctly simplified. The 9 was distributed to the m and now 4 will be subtracted from the product of 9 and m.

The student made an error. The first factor, 9, was distributed to only one of the terms inside the parentheses.

The student made an error. 9 should be distributed to the number 4, but not to the variable m.

The student made an error. 9 should be distributed to the number 4, but not to the variable m.

Question

1 December, 19:37

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Julianne Anderson · Answer 1

T he student made an error. The first factor, 9, was distributed to only one of the terms inside the parentheses.

It should be to m and 4, so 9m-36