Can Someone Please Help Me Solve This Two-step Equation 18m - (2+ 3m)
Understanding the Equation
When dealing with algebraic expressions, it's essential to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS) to simplify and solve equations. In this case, we have a two-step equation that involves subtracting a term within parentheses from another term. The equation is: 18m - (2 + 3m).
Breaking Down the Equation
To solve this equation, we need to follow the order of operations, which states that we should evaluate expressions inside parentheses first. The term inside the parentheses is (2 + 3m). We can simplify this expression by combining the constants and the variable.
Simplifying the Expression Inside the Parentheses
The expression inside the parentheses is (2 + 3m). We can simplify this expression by combining the constants and the variable. To do this, we need to distribute the negative sign to the term inside the parentheses.
Distributing the Negative Sign
When we distribute the negative sign to the term inside the parentheses, we get: -2 - 3m. Now, we can rewrite the original equation as: 18m - 2 - 3m.
Combining Like Terms
Now that we have simplified the expression inside the parentheses, we can combine like terms. The like terms in this equation are the terms with the variable m. We can combine these terms by adding or subtracting their coefficients.
Combining the Variable Terms
The variable terms in this equation are 18m and -3m. We can combine these terms by adding their coefficients. To do this, we need to subtract the coefficient of the second term from the coefficient of the first term.
Simplifying the Variable Terms
When we combine the variable terms, we get: (18 - 3)m. This simplifies to: 15m.
Combining the Constant Terms
Now that we have combined the variable terms, we can combine the constant terms. The constant terms in this equation are -2 and 0 (since there is no other constant term). We can combine these terms by adding them.
Simplifying the Constant Terms
When we combine the constant terms, we get: -2.
Writing the Final Answer
Now that we have simplified the equation, we can write the final answer. The simplified equation is: 15m - 2.
Example Use Case
This equation can be used in a variety of real-world scenarios, such as calculating the cost of a product that depends on the number of items sold. For example, if a company sells 15m units of a product and each unit costs $2, the total cost would be 15m - 2.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solving a two-step equation like 18m - (2 + 3m) requires following the order of operations and combining like terms. By simplifying the expression inside the parentheses and combining the variable and constant terms, we can arrive at the final answer. This equation can be used in a variety of real-world scenarios, such as calculating the cost of a product that depends on the number of items sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the order of operations? A: The order of operations is PEMDAS, which stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.
- Q: How do I simplify an expression inside parentheses? A: To simplify an expression inside parentheses, you need to distribute the negative sign to the term inside the parentheses.
- Q: How do I combine like terms? A: To combine like terms, you need to add or subtract their coefficients.
- Q: What is the final answer to the equation 18m - (2 + 3m)? A: The final answer to the equation 18m - (2 + 3m) is 15m - 2.
Additional Resources
- Khan Academy: Algebra
- Mathway: Algebra Solver
- Wolfram Alpha: Algebra Calculator
Related Topics
- Solving Linear Equations
- Solving Quadratic Equations
- Solving Systems of Equations
Final Answer
The final answer to the equation 18m - (2 + 3m) is 15m - 2.