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 first analyze the given equations: 1. \( 16 + 61 = 77 \) 2. \( 17 + 71 = 88 \) Now, let's break down the pattern: - The first equation adds 16 and 61 to get 77. - The second equation adds 17 and 71 to get 88. We can observe that the first number in each equation increases by 1, and the second number is the first number with the digits reversed. The sum also increases by 11 (from 77 to 88). Following this pattern, the next equation should be: - The first number should be \( 18 \) (which is \( 17 + 1 \)). - The second number should be \( 81 \) (which is the reverse of 18). - The expected sum should be \( 99 \) (which is \( 88 + 11 \)). Thus, the next equation should be \( 18 + 81 = 99 \). Now, let's verify the options provided: A. \( 18 + 81 = 122 \) (False) B. \( 81 + 18 = 99 \) (True, but not in the same format) C. \( 66 + 33 = 99 \) (True, but not in the same format) D. \( 18 + 81 = 99 \) (True) The correct next equation in the sequence is: **D. \( 18 + 81 = 99 \)** This is indeed a true statement.