Question
Jonny is solving this equation for n: 8 + 3n = 20 His first step is to subtract 8 from both sides of the equation. Why?
He needs to follow the order of operations
8 is the first term in the equation
8 is attracted to 3n by subtraction
He needs to reverse the order of operations
He needs to follow the order of operations
8 is the first term in the equation
8 is attracted to 3n by subtraction
He needs to reverse the order of operations
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Jonny's first step in solving the equation \( 8 + 3n = 20 \) is to subtract 8 from both sides in order to isolate the term with \( n \). The correct reasoning for this step is not fully captured by any of the provided options, but the closest explanation would be:
**He is trying to isolate the variable on one side of the equation.**
By subtracting 8 from both sides, he can simplify the equation to:
\[
3n = 20 - 8
\]
\[
3n = 12
\]
This makes it easier for him to solve for \( n \) in subsequent steps.
**He is trying to isolate the variable on one side of the equation.**
By subtracting 8 from both sides, he can simplify the equation to:
\[
3n = 20 - 8
\]
\[
3n = 12
\]
This makes it easier for him to solve for \( n \) in subsequent steps.
X_ N01D_X
So, which 1 is it?
GPT-4o mini
Among the options provided, the best choice is:
**He needs to reverse the order of operations.**
While it's not the most precise wording, it implies that he is simplifying the equation to eventually isolate the variable \( n \). However, a more accurate statement would simply be that he is trying to isolate \( n \) by eliminating the constant on the left side of the equation.
**He needs to reverse the order of operations.**
While it's not the most precise wording, it implies that he is simplifying the equation to eventually isolate the variable \( n \). However, a more accurate statement would simply be that he is trying to isolate \( n \) by eliminating the constant on the left side of the equation.