Which of the following tasks is least likely to develop critical thinking among students?

Options

A. Evaluate `72 xx 73` in three different ways and compare the result.
B. Formulate any two situations to represent the equation `7x+3= 24.`
C. A student calculated the volume of a right circular cylinder of radius 3.5 cm and height 10 cm as `38.5 cm^3`. Where did she go wrong?
D. Calculate the volume of a right circular cylinder of radius 3.5 cm and height 10 cm.

Answer

To determine which task is least likely to develop critical thinking among students, let's analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze Option A
**Task**: Evaluate 22 into 23 in three different ways and compare the results.

- This task requires students to think critically about different methods of multiplication (e.g., using the distributive property, area model, or standard algorithm).
- Comparing results encourages analysis and evaluation of methods.

**Conclusion**: This task promotes critical thinking.

### Step 2: Analyze Option B
**Task**: Formulate any two situations to represent the equation 7x + 3 = 24.

- This task requires students to create real-world scenarios that fit a given algebraic equation.
- It encourages creativity and application of mathematical concepts to real-life situations.

**Conclusion**: This task promotes critical thinking.

### Step 3: Analyze Option C
**Task**: A student calculated the volume of a right circular cylinder of radius 3.5 cm and height 10 cm and found it to be 38.5 cm³. Where did she go wrong?

- This task involves identifying errors in the calculation of volume, which requires understanding the formula for volume and critical evaluation of the student's work.
- It encourages students to analyze and reflect on their calculations.

**Conclusion**: This task promotes critical thinking.

### Step 4: Analyze Option D
**Task**: Calculate the volume of a right circular cylinder of radius 3.5 cm and height 10 cm.

- This task is straightforward and involves applying a formula without requiring deeper analysis or evaluation.
- It is more about computation than critical thinking.

**Conclusion**: This task is least likely to develop critical thinking.

### Final Answer
The task that is least likely to develop critical thinking among students is **Option D**: Calculate the volume of a right circular cylinder of radius 3.5 cm and height 10 cm.