The following sum was answered by a grade 8 learner: \[ \begin{array}{l}5 \times 9+6 \\ \\ =\end{array} \] State if the answer is correct or incorrect. Give reasons. Also write the correct answer.

To evaluate the expression \( 5 \times 9 + 6 \), we need to follow the order of operations, which states that multiplication should be performed before addition. 1. **Calculate the multiplication:** \[ 5 \times 9 = 45 \] 2. **Now, add 6 to the result:** \[ 45 + 6 = 51 \] Thus, the correct answer to the expression \( 5 \times 9 + 6 \) is \( 51 \). ### Conclusion: - If the grade 8 learner provided an answer other than \( 51 \), then their answer is incorrect. - The correct answer is \( 51 \).