How do you solve #-5(m-1)+3(2m-1)=8# using the distributive property?

1 Answer
smendyka
Apr 24, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, expand both terms in parenthesis on the left side of the equation by multiplying each term within the parenthesis by the term outside the parenthesis:

#color(red)(-5)(m - 1) + color(blue)(3)(2m - 1) = 8#

#(color(red)(-5) * m) + (color(red)(-5) * -1) + (color(blue)(3) * 2m) - (color(blue)(3) * 1) = 8#

#-5m + 5 + 6m - 3 = 8#

Next, group and combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

#6m - 5m + 5 - 3 = 8#

#(6 - 5)m + (5 - 3) = 8#

#1m + 2 = 8#

#m + 2 = 8#

Now, subtract #color(red)(2)# from each side of the equation to solve for #m# while keeping the equation balanced:

#m + 2 - color(red)(2) = 8 - color(red)(2)#

#m + 0 = 6#

#m = 6#

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