<span>The resulting equation after the first step in the solution of the starting equation v + 4 + v = 8 is 2v + 4 = 8. So, we have the equation v + 4 + v = 8. We can group similar terms on the left side: (v + v) + 4 = 8. When we sum these two in the parenthesis, we will get the resulting equation which is: 2v + 4 = 8.</span>
<u><em>It cannot be simplified. </em></u>The 54 and the 2 cannot be reduced because the 2 is attached to the +1 and it is against the laws of mathematics to do that.
16 meters
because they went 8 down, then 8 up (even if it is -8).
8 + 8 = 16
So, they climbed 16 meters.
Hope this helps.