Question

How do you solve `8.7=3.5m-2.5(5.4-6m)`?

Answer 1

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

Step 1) Expand the terms in parenthesis on the right side of the equation by multiplying each term within the equation by the term outside the equation:

`8.7 = 3.5m - (2.5 xx 5.4) + (2.5 xx 6m)`

`8.7 = 3.5m - 13.5 + 15m`

Step 2) Group and combine like terms on the right side of the equation:

`8.7 = 3.5m + 15m - 13.5`

`8.7 = (3.5 + 15)m - 13.5`

`8.7 = 18.5m - 13.5`

Step 3) Add `color(red)(13.5)` to each side of the equation to isolate the `m` term while keeping the equation balanced:

`8.7 + color(red)(13.5) = 18.5m - 13.5 + color(red)(13.5)`

`22.2 = 18.5m - 0`

`22.2 = 18.5m`

Step 4) Divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(18.5)` to solve for `m` while keeping the equation balanced:

`22.2/color(red)(18.5) = (18.5m)/color(red)(18.5)`

`1.2 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(18.5)))m)/cancel(color(red)(18.5))`

`1.2 = m`

`m = 1.2`