Question

Solve for m
13 – 3 (–13 + m) = –2

Answer 1

13 − 3(−13 + m) = −2

First expand (or distribute) the 3:
3(−13 + m) = −39 + 3m, so
13 − (−39 + 3m) = −2
13 + 39 − 3m = −2
52 − 3m = −2

Subtract 52:
−3m = −54

Divide by −3:
m = 18

Check: 13 − 3(−13 + 18) = 13 − 3(5) = 13 − 15 = −2. So m = 18.