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

Answer 1

So, which 1 is it?

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.