this works because of the addition property of equality a=16--->a+3=16+3 reverse engineering a+3=16+3--->a=16 now given that 5x-4y=-30 and given also the equation 3x+4y=38 by the addition property 3x+4y+(-30)=38+(-30) since -30=5x-4y by substituting 3x+4y+(5x-4y)=38-30 which yields 8x=8 the addition property of equality which is B.