What is the meaning of the word equivalent as it used in paragraph 4?

Retell the main events of this story as jerry might tell them to his best friend when he returns from vacation or to his own son later in life. in the story through the tunnel

Plz asap read this sentence from paragraph 3 of the article. the boys and girls are merely asked to obtain the signatures of ten friends or relatives. how does the word "merely" affect the meaning of the sentence? a- it suggests that asking people to subscribe to the washington times is something negative. b- it implies that obtaining ten signatures is not a requirement for receiving a prize. c- it downplays the fact that to win the prize, children must ask people to subscribe to the washington times. d- it emphasizes that children receive the prize only if they obtain ten signatures.

What is the answer to this question