Solve -4(m + 6) = -8 for m.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to solve the algebraic equation -4(m + 6) = -8 for the variable 'm'. This involves distributing the -4, simplifying the equation, and isolating 'm' to find its value.
Answer
$m = -4$
Answer for screen readers
$m = -4$
Steps to Solve
- Distribute -4 to the terms inside the parenthesis
We multiply -4 by both $m$ and $6$: $$ -4(m + 6) = -4m - 24 $$ So, the equation becomes: $$ -4m - 24 = -8 $$
- Isolate the term with 'm'
Add 24 to both sides of the equation to isolate the term with $m$: $$ -4m - 24 + 24 = -8 + 24 $$ $$ -4m = 16 $$
- Solve for 'm'
Divide both sides of the equation by -4 to solve for $m$: $$ \frac{-4m}{-4} = \frac{16}{-4} $$ $$ m = -4 $$
$m = -4$
More Information
The solution to the equation $-4(m + 6) = -8$ is $m = -4$. This means that when $m$ is replaced with $-4$ in the original equation, the equation holds true.
Tips
A common mistake is to incorrectly distribute the -4. Make sure to multiply both terms inside the parentheses by -4. Another common mistake is errors in arithmetic when adding or dividing. Always double-check calculations.
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