Find the error in the student's calculation.

23 (2 - 4) + 5 (3 - 8)

23 (-2) + 5 (5)

8 (-2) + 25

-16 + 25

9

Answer: the 5 in the parentheses on the second line should be negative. Also, where did the 23 go? That's a mistake too.

Step-by-step explanation: 3 - 8 = - 5 so

23 (2 - 4) + 5 (3 - 8)

23 (-2) + 5 (-5)

(-46) + (-25)

-71

(at least, I think so unless there was a mistake in the equation)