What should be done to both sides of the equation in order to solve p - 17 = - 23?

A. The number 17 should be subtracted.

B. The number 17 should be added.

C. The number - 23 should be subtracted.

D. The number - 23 should be added.

The answer is B, because of the addition property if equality. To isolate the variable p, you have to get rid of the constant. The way to do this is so the inverse operation of the constant to both sides, which in this case is to do the opposite of subtracting 17. You should add 17 to both sides.