Which answer is NOT a reason public support for American independence increased over time?
A. Influential men in the colonies began writing pamphlets explaining the need
for independence.
B. The Magna Carta was passed, which took away the colonists' liberties.
C. The Continental Army experienced military success under the leadership of
George Washington.
D. Parliament had closed the Boston ports.

B. The Magna Carta was passed, which took away the colonists' liberties.

Explanation:

some american cities felt workers were being oppressed by business monopolies

simplify brackets

8 - 2a - 7 = a + 40

simplify 8 - 2a - 7 to -2a + 1

-2a + 1 = a + 40

add 2a to both sides

1 = a + 40 + 2a

simplify a + 40 + 2a to 3a + 40

1 = 3a + 40

subtract 40 from both sides

1 - 40 = 3a

simplify 1 - 40 o -39

-39 = 3a

divide both sides by 3

-39/3 = a

simplify 39/3 to 13

-13 = a

switch sides

a = -13