This task is from Tools for NC Teachers. Students analyze an incorrect answer, explain the error, and discuss ways to correct it. This is remixable. 

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Manuel’s Error

Ms. Smith asked Manuel to write this number in standard form:

            ninety-seven thousand, three hundred two.

Manuel wrote:

            97,3002

1.     What was Manuel’s mistake? 

Possible responses: 

·       An extra zero was added. 

·       Manuel’s number represents three-thousand rather than three-hundred. 

·       The extra zero changes the place value of the number. 

·       Manuel’s number represents nine-hundred seventy-three thousand, two rather than ninety-seven thousand, three hundred two.

2.     What should he have written instead?  (97,302)

3.     How would Ms. Smith’s number be written in expanded form?                             (90,000 + 7,000 + 300 + 2)