A student wants to find point C on the directed line segment from A to B on a number line such that the segment is partitioned in a ratio of 3:4. Point A is at –6 and point B is at 2. The student’s work is shown.
C = (three-fourths) (2 minus (negative 6)) + (negative 6)
C = (three-fourths) (8) minus 6
C = 6 minus 6
C = 0
Analyze the student’s work. Is the answer correct? Explain.
No, the student should have added 3 + 4 to get the total number of sections, and used the fraction Three-sevenths instead of Three-fourths.
No, the student should have subtracted 2 from –6 to find the distance.
No, the student should have added 2 at the end to add to the starting point.
Yes, the student’s answer is correct.