Read this word problem.When Emmett began his science experiment, he had 20 milliliters of an unknown solution. During the experiment, the change in the volume of the solution was −9 milliliters. What was the final volume of the solution?To solve the problem, Dakota added 20+(−9) and came up with an answer of −11 milliliters. Is Dakota correct? Why or why not?Choices:(A)Yes, Dakota is correct.(B)No. The answer should have been 11 milliliters, not −11 milliliters, because the volume should not be negative.(C)No. Dakota should have subtracted 20−(−9) because the volume decreased.
Q. Read this word problem.When Emmett began his science experiment, he had 20 milliliters of an unknown solution. During the experiment, the change in the volume of the solution was −9 milliliters. What was the final volume of the solution?To solve the problem, Dakota added 20+(−9) and came up with an answer of −11 milliliters. Is Dakota correct? Why or why not?Choices:(A)Yes, Dakota is correct.(B)No. The answer should have been 11 milliliters, not −11 milliliters, because the volume should not be negative.(C)No. Dakota should have subtracted 20−(−9) because the volume decreased.
Initial Volume: Dakota started with the initial volume of the solution which was 20 milliliters.
Add Change in Volume: Then, Dakota added the change in volume, which was −9 milliliters, to the initial volume. So, 20+(−9).
Calculate New Volume: Adding 20 and −9 gives us 20−9, which equals 11 milliliters.
Correct Answer: Dakota's answer was −11 milliliters, but since we can't have a negative volume of a solution, the correct answer should be 11 milliliters.
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