Question

Solve the equation for m: 2m + 1 = -3m - 1

Answer 1

The answer is:

m = -2/5

Work/explanation:

Combine like terms on each side:

`\sf{2m+1=-3m-1}`

Make sure all terms that contain m are on the left side and all constant terms are on the right. Don't forget to use the opposite sign when moving terms from one side to the other one.

`\sf{2m+3m=-1-1}`

`\sf{5m=-2}`

Divide each side by 5

`\sf{m=-(2)/(5)}`

Therefore, the answer is m = -2/5.

Answer 2

m =
`(-2)/(5)`

Explanation:

2m + 1 = -3m - 1 (Given)

2m + 1 + 1 = -3m - 1 + 1 (Addition Property of Equality)

2m + 2 = -3m (Simplify)

2m - 2m + 2 = -3m - 2m (Subtraction Property of Equality)

2 = -5m (Simplify)

`(2)/(-5) = (-5m)/(-5)` (Division Property of Equality)

`(-2)/(5)` = m (Simplify)

m =
`(-2)/(5)` (Symmetric Property of Equality)