Question

On a recent test, Shawna was given the following problem:

Answer 1

Since, we are given right angled triangle

so, we use pythagoras theorem to find 'a'

step-1:

Using pythagoras theorem

$a^2+7^2=25^2$

step-2:

we know that

$7^2=7\times 7 =49$

$25^2=25\times 25 =625$

so, we get

$a^2+49=625$

she made error in second step

step-3:

Subtract both sides by 49

$a^2+49-49=625-49$

$a^2=576$

step-4:

Take sqrt both sides

we get

$a=24$

so,

Answer is:

Step 2. She incorrectly squared the numbers.

Answer 2

Answer: Step 2. She incorrectly squared the numbers.

Solution:

The correct steps are:

1. a^2+7^2=25^2

2. a^2+49=625

3. a^2=576

4. a=24

In which step did Shawna make an error?

Step 2. She incorrectly squared the numbers.