Question

Distributing a Negative Sign

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

34 = –(m + 3)

Answer 1

The negative sign outside the parentheses represents –1. Distribute the –1 to everything inside the parenthesis. Use the addition property of equality first to add 3 to both sides. Then use the division property of equality to divide both sides by -1.

Explanation:

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

34 = –(m + 3)

Answer 2

34=-(m+3)

34=-m-3

+3 +3

37=-m

/-1 /-1

M=-37

Explanation: