Question

please help me solve:
42=-3(m+6)+m

Answer 1

In your shoes I'd begin by distributing that -3 over (m+6): multiply each m and 6 by -3. Please type out the resulting equation.

Answer 2

-3m-18

Answer 3

Good, and so your 42=-3(m+6)+m then becomes 42=-3m-18 +m.

Answer 4

Please add the "like terms" on the right. In other words, combine -3m and +m.

Answer 5

4m

Answer 6

I see -3m + 1m, or:

-3m
+1m
-----
?

Answer 7

2m

Answer 8

The -3m has a larger coefficient (ignoring the sign) than does +1m.
Therefore, the combination of -3m and +1m results in -2m. Can you convince yourself of this?

Answer 9

oh ok so -2

Answer 10

Then your 42=-3(m+6)+m becomes 42=-2m -18.
What do you think is the next step that will help you solve this equation for m?

Answer 11

Solve for m: 42=-2m -18.

Answer 12

-18-24