Final answer:
The formula 16 + 4 - 4 equals 20 - 4 as the addition and subtraction of the same number don't change the equality, confirming the statement is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
When evaluating if 16 + 4 - 4 = 20 - 4, we must adhere to the rules of mathematics, which are universally valid. By performing the operations on the left side, we get 16 + 4 - 4, which simplifies to 20 - 4, because adding 4 and then subtracting 4 results in no change.
Therefore, both sides are equal to 16, confirming that the original statement is true. It aligns with the principle that addition or subtraction of the same number does not change the equality of an equation.