Let's analyze Nathaniel's subtraction problem and identify his error step-by-step.
1. Identify the Incorrect Answer:
Nathaniel's answer to the subtraction problem [tex]\( 16.43 - 1.043 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 6.00 \)[/tex].
2. Understand the Correct Subtraction:
The correct subtraction of [tex]\( 16.43 - 1.043 \)[/tex] results in approximately [tex]\( 15.387 \)[/tex].
3. Identify the Estimation:
To quickly verify whether the answer is reasonable, we can estimate by subtracting the whole numbers:
- Nathaniel could have subtracted the whole number 1 from the whole number 16 to find the estimated difference.
- Subtracting [tex]\( 16 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( 1 \)[/tex], he should see the estimated difference is about 15.
- This estimation shows that 6.00 is not a reasonable answer.
4. Identify the Error in Lining Up Decimals:
Nathaniel’s error was that he did not line up the decimals according to place value when performing the subtraction. Properly aligning the decimals is crucial for accurate subtraction in decimal numbers.
To fill in the blanks in the question:
When trying to solve this problem, Nathaniel did not line up the decimals according to place value. Nathaniel could have estimated to see that his answer was incorrect. He could have subtracted the whole number 16 from the whole number 1 to see that his difference should have been about 15.
By understanding this, Nathaniel would have realized his mistake and arrived at the correct answer.
