Fernando evaluated the expression below. StartFraction 5 (9 minus 5) over 2 EndFraction + (negative 2) (negative 5) + (negative 3) squared = StartFraction 5 (4) over 2 EndFraction minus 10 + 9 = StartFraction 20 over 2 EndFraction minus 10 + 9 = 10 minus 10 + 9 = 9. What was Fernando's error? Fernando evaluated the numerator of the fraction incorrectly. Fernando simplified StartFraction 20 over 2 EndFraction incorrectly. Fernando incorrectly found the product of –2 and –5. Fernando evaluated (negative 3) squared incorrectly.

Question:

Fernando evaluated the expression below.

What was Fernando's error?

- Fernando evaluated the numerator of the fraction incorrectly.

- Fernando simplified 20/2 incorrectly.

- Fernando incorrectly found the product of –2 and –5.

- Fernando evaluated (-3)² incorrectly.

- Fernando incorrectly found the product of –2 and –5.

Explanation:

Given

Required

Spot the error

The error in this evaluation is the product of -2 and -5 at step 2

When a negative number (-2) is multiplied by a negative number (-5), the outcome of the multiplication is always a positive number (10).

So, the result of -2 * -5 is 10 but Fernando incorrectly calculated it as -10.

Solving the expression, correctly

Hence, the actual result of the expression is 29 (not 9 as calculated by Fernando).

The third-person point of view used by Sinclair is intended to achieve his resolution, by focusing on what Jurgis understands and feels. The narrator concentrates on the main character Jurgis, his emotions and his thoughts, and the readers also get an perception on other minor characters’ thought processes.