Question

Who is correct? Explain why. Bob says, You can add 4 to each side of the equation (y + 8 = 18) and the equation will still be true. Sally says, You can subtract from each side of the equation (y + 8 = 18) and the equation will still be true.

a) Bob is correct.

b) Sally is correct.

c) Both are correct.

d) Neither is correct.

Answer 1

Bob and Sally are both correct because in mathematics, performing the same operation, such as adding or subtracting the same number, to both sides of an equation keeps the equation valid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves understanding how to maintain the balance of an equation. Both Bob and Sally are discussing operations that can be performed on an equation to keep it true.

Bob suggests that you can add 4 to each side of the equation (y + 8 = 18) and it will remain correct. While Sally believes that you can subtract from each side of the equation (y + 8 = 18) and it will still be true.

According to the universal rules of mathematics, when you perform the same operation on both sides of an equation, the equality holds. Hence, both adding and subtracting the same number from both sides will not change the equality of the equation. This means that option c) Both are correct is the right answer. Bob and Sally are both correct as long as they perform the same mathematical operation to both sides of the equation.