Hello there!
The answer is:
d. 256
This is a persuasion. Where he says "To attract new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways to move people, goods, and information—from high-speed rail to high-speed Internet." he is stating the problem. Also where he says "I'm proposing that we redouble those efforts." he is prompting a solution to the problem. Overall he is stating the problem , giving the process and asking for you to help with the solution.
Answer:
guessing that the theme is making others fell as though they are included, Jesse is wanting to help make the new kid feel welcome, and as though he is included in the group. its also a good way to help him make friends, so he isn't always alone.
To find the distance between two points on a number line, we just take both points turn them to being positive and add.
20 + 6 = 26 units apart.
Best of Luck!