8. the governmental body responsible for interpreting the constitution is the

When it comes to interpreting the Constitution, this job would often fall to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is the judicial branch of the government.  They have the highest jurisdiction of the federal law and handles cases that are against the constitution.

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