Explanation:

Let’s break it down:

- The original equation is:

4 × 2 - 8 + 9 ÷ 3 = 9 ÷ 3 + 4 × 2 - 8

It’s basically the same on both sides, just shuffled.

- Your goal: Swap two numbers (wherever they appear) so the equation actually balances out when calculated.

Now, let’s check the options:

Option 1: Swap 3 and 4

- Changing 4 to 3 and 3 to 4 everywhere.

- Try calculating both sides – it won’t balance out.

Option 2: Swap 3 and 2

- Swapping 3 with 2.

- Again, the numbers just don’t reconcile to get equality.

Option 3: Swap 8 and 3

- Replace all 8s with 3s and all 3s with 8s.

- New equation: 4 × 2 - 3 + 9 ÷ 8 = 9 ÷ 8 + 4 × 2 - 3.

- But, that doesn’t equal on both sides either.

Option 4: Swap 8 and 4

- Let’s substitute all 8s with 4s and vice versa.

- New equation: 8 × 2 - 4 + 9 ÷ 3 = 9 ÷ 3 + 8 × 2 - 4

- Both sides simplify to 21.

- That checks out.

Correct Answer: Option 4 — swap 8 and 4.