How do you solve #-4m-12=5#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-02-05T19:44:27

See the entire solution process below:

Step 1) Add #color(red)(12)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #m# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-4m - 12 + color(red)(12) = 5 + color(red)(12)#

#-4m - 0 = 17#

#-4m = 17#

Step 2) Divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-4)# to solve for #m# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-4m)/color(red)(-4) = 17/color(red)(-4)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-4)))m)/cancel(color(red)(-4)) = -17/4#

#m = -17/4#