To solve the equation \( \frac{1}{4}(8m + 12) - 7 = -2 \), we can follow these steps in order:
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Add 7 to both sides to eliminate the -7 on the left: \[ \frac{1}{4}(8m + 12) = -2 + 7 \] This simplifies to: \[ \frac{1}{4}(8m + 12) = 5 \]
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Multiply both sides by 4 to eliminate the fraction: \[ 8m + 12 = 20 \]
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Subtract 12 from both sides to isolate the term with \( m \): \[ 8m = 20 - 12 \] This simplifies to: \[ 8m = 8 \]
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Divide both sides by 8 to solve for \( m \): \[ m = 1 \]
So the correct order of steps is:
- Add 7 to both sides.
- Multiply both sides by 4.
- Subtract 12 from both sides.
- Divide both sides by 8.
Thus, the solution is \( m = 1 \).