3 = –2(m + 8) – 11m

1 answer

To solve the equation \( 3 = -2(m + 8) - 11m \), let's first distribute the \(-2\) on the right side of the equation.

\[ 3 = -2m - 16 - 11m \]

Next, combine the like terms (\(-2m\) and \(-11m\)):

\[ 3 = -13m - 16 \]

Now, we will isolate the term involving \(m\) by adding \(16\) to both sides:

\[ 3 + 16 = -13m \] \[ 19 = -13m \]

Next, divide both sides by \(-13\):

\[ m = \frac{19}{-13} \] \[ m = -\frac{19}{13} \]

Thus, the solution to the equation \( 3 = -2(m + 8) - 11m \) is

\[ m = -\frac{19}{13}. \]