Jonny is solving this equation for n : 8 + 3n = 20 . His first step is to subtract 8 from both sides of the equation. Why?(1 point)
A:he needs to follow the order of operation
B:8 is the first term of equation
C:he needs to reserve the order of operation
D:8 is attached to 3n by subtraction
The correct answer is A: he needs to follow the order of operation.
By subtracting 8 from both sides of the equation, he is using the inverse operation of addition to isolate the variable n. This is done in order to simplify the equation and solve for n.
D: 8 is attached to 3n by subtraction.
The correct answer is A: he needs to follow the order of operation.
When solving an equation, it is important to follow the order of operations, also known as PEMDAS (parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division (from left to right), and addition and subtraction (from left to right)). This rule helps ensure that the equation is solved correctly.
In the equation, 8 + 3n = 20, we want to isolate the variable, n, on one side of the equation. To do this, we need to eliminate the constant term (8) on the same side as the variable.
By subtracting 8 from both sides of the equation, we maintain the equality of the equation while moving the constant term to the other side.
So, the equation becomes:
8 + 3n - 8 = 20 - 8
On the left side, the 8 and -8 cancel out, leaving us with 3n.
On the right side, 20 - 8 equals 12.
The equation simplifies to:
3n = 12
Now, we can continue solving for n by dividing both sides of the equation by 3.