How do you solve #5M + 24 = 51 + 2M#?

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Answer 1 · 2016-12-05T15:40:03

#M = 9#

First, isolate the #M# terms on one side of the equation and the constants on the other while keeping the equation balanced:

#5M + 24 - 24 - 2M = 51 + 2M - 24 - 2M#

#5M - 2M + 24 - 24 = 51 - 24 + 2M - 2M#

#5M - 2M + 0 = 51 - 24 + 0#

#5M - 2M = 51 - 24#

Now consolidate like terms:

#(5 - 2)M = 27#

#3M = 27#

Finally, solve for #M# while keeping the equation balanced:
#(3M)/3 = 27/3#

#(cancel(3)M)/cancel(3) = 27/3#

#M = 27/3#

#M = 9#