To simplify and solve the equation \( 4m + 9 + 5m - 12 = 42 \), we can follow these steps:
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Combine like terms on the left side: \[ 4m + 5m + 9 - 12 = 42 \] This simplifies to: \[ 9m - 3 = 42 \]
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Next, add 3 to both sides to isolate terms involving \( m \): \[ 9m - 3 + 3 = 42 + 3 \] This gives us: \[ 9m = 45 \]
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Now, divide both sides by 9 to solve for \( m \): \[ m = \frac{45}{9} = 5 \]
Thus, the solution is: \[ m = 5 \]
The correct answer is D) m = 5.