Question

Generate a plan and describe the steps needed to solve the equation.

34 = –(m + 3)

Answer 1

Plan
- Use inverse operations to undo the negative sign and the +3 so m is alone.
- Check the solution by substituting it back into the original equation.

Steps
1. Remove the leading negative sign. Multiply both sides by -1 (or distribute the negative):
34 = −(m + 3) → −34 = m + 3
2. Isolate m by subtracting 3 from both sides:
−34 − 3 = m → m = −37

Check
Substitute m = −37 into the original equation:
−(m + 3) = −(−37 + 3) = −(−34) = 34, which matches the left side.

Answer: m = −37.