Determine what the next equation would be, and verify that it is indeed a true statement. \( \begin{array}{l}16+61=77 \\ 17+71=88\end{array} \) A. \( 18+81=122 \) B. \( 81+18=99 \) C. \( 66+33=99 \) D. \( 18+81=99 \)

To determine the next equation in the sequence and verify its truth, let's analyze the given equations step by step. 1. **First Equation:** \[ 16 + 61 = 77 \] This is true since \( 16 + 61 = 77 \). 2. **Second Equation:** \[ 17 + 71 = 88 \] This is also true since \( 17 + 71 = 88 \). Now, let's look for a pattern in the equations. The first equation adds 16 and 61, and the second adds 17 and 71. It appears that the first number increases by 1, and the second number increases by 10. Following this pattern, the next equation should be: \[ 18 + 81 \] Now, let's calculate \( 18 + 81 \): \[ 18 + 81 = 99 \] Now, we can check the options provided: A. \( 18 + 81 = 122 \) (False) B. \( 81 + 18 = 99 \) (True, but not in the same order as the previous equations) C. \( 66 + 33 = 99 \) (True, but does not follow the pattern) D. \( 18 + 81 = 99 \) (True and follows the pattern) Thus, the next equation in the sequence is: \[ 18 + 81 = 99 \] The correct answer is **D. \( 18 + 81 = 99 \)**, and it is indeed a true statement.