4m + 9 + 5m – 12 = 42
Given the equation combine all similar terms found on a side of the equation.
You can add the "m" and get: 9m + 9 – 12 = 42
You can combine the 9 and the -12 and get: 9m - 3 = 42
To
get the "m" alone add or subtract any number necessary from the left
side so the number is 0, and do the same to the right: 9m - 3 + 3 = 42 +
3, leaving you: 9m = 45
Divide each side by the number of "m" you have: (9m)/9 = 45/9 which simplifies to m=5.
