4th grade math....

[LiveCoug]

I am not talking about the commutative property of math (which creekster correctly cites), in which case the teacher's answer is correct, as well. I am simply reading the equation logically.

Written as "5x6," isn't the teacher saying that the lead integer is 5 and that there are six instances of the number "5" in the set in question (when, in reality, there are only five instances of the number "6")

The question asked for a restatement of the given set. If anything, the stronger argument is that the teacher is incorrect."6" only appears five times.

I agree. The only thing I can think of, is that she (yes it was a she) taught the kids that when writing multiplication problems, the lower number always goes first. I don't know why she would teach that, but it's the only thing that makes sense as to why she would mark it wrong.

[falafel]

The directions didn't say to solve the problem once he changed it. Hence, the dreaded purple X.

You're absolutely right. He changed it from a math problem, to a math solution. They haven't learned about math solutions yet, so he must have been cheating. The teacher was right to mark your cheating nephew's problem wrong.

[Indy Coug]

I agree. The only thing I can think of, is that she (yes it was a she) taught the kids that when writing multiplication problems, the lower number always goes first. I don't know why she would teach that, but it's the only thing that makes sense as to why she would mark it wrong.

She's getting a jump on pre-algebra. Assume that there is x and that there are 5 of them. You have 5x.

5x = 5 * x

x = 6

so 5x = 5 * 6 = 30


Actually, I think the teacher is just a dimwit.

[UteStar]

I am not talking about the commutative property of math (which creekster correctly cites), in which case the teacher's answer is correct, as well. I am simply reading the equation logically.

Written as "5x6," isn't the teacher saying that the lead integer is 5 and that there are six instances of the number "5" in the set in question (when, in reality, there are only five instances of the number "6")

The question asked for a restatement of the given set. If anything, the stronger argument is that the teacher is incorrect."6" only appears five times.

I agree entirely with this point. The way the student did it is actually the correct way to do it. If the kid is being penalized cause he solved it, well then, the teacher is a retard idiot.

[Art Vandelay]

You're absolutely right. He changed it from a math problem, to a math solution. They haven't learned about math solutions yet, so he must have been cheating. The teacher was right to mark your cheating nephew's problem wrong.

The correct answer should have been 33 x 4 or 17 x zillionquadillion. I'm much more of a math guy than a word guy, but doesn't "change" imply to make something different, not to just restate the same problem in a different form. So I'm in agreement with falafel there was obvious cheating and/or calculator use involved.

[TripletDaddy]

She's getting a jump on pre-algebra. Assume that there is x and that there are 5 of them. You have 5x.

5x = 5 * x

x = 6

so 5x = 5 * 6 = 30


Actually, I think the teacher is just a dimwit.

but the question asked for a restatement of the given set of facts. There was no x variable for which to solve, so there is no algebra required in this instance, no? I am being overly technical here, but that is what lawyers and smart alecs do

[SloanHater]

In defense of the teacher, perhaps she was simply tired from grading the other 50 students' papers and made a mistake. Seems to happen to the underpaid and unappreciated.

Or your nephew is a cheat and wrote in his answer AFTER getting his paper back.

[il Padrino Ute]

Is your nephew home schooled?