Paine asks the audience to prepare for his "common sense arguments by
a explaining that at this point they have no other option
b. first complimenting his audience with their extreme intelligence,
c putting aside preconceived notions and judge his arguments on their own merits.
od. getting right to the point

during the ming dynasty

according to worldatlas.com, the u.s. has an 86% literacy rate.

8 - (2a + 7) = a + 40     distribute/multiply - into (2a + 7)

8 - 2a - 7 = a + 40

1 - 2a = a + 40       add 2a on both sides

1 = 3a + 40         subtract 40 on both sides

-39 = 3a       divide 3 on both sides

-13 = a

[proof]

8 - (2a + 7) = a + 40

8 - (2(-13) + 7) = -13 + 40

8 - (-26 + 7) = 27

8 - (-19) = 27

8 + 19 = 27

27 = 27