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Solving rac{2}{3}(3m - 6) = 5 - m Using a General Strategy

To solve the linear equation rac{2}{3}(3m - 6) = 5 - m, apply the general five-step strategy:

Step 1. Simplify both sides. Distribute the rac{2}{3} into the parentheses on the left side. The product of rac{2}{3} and 3m3m simplifies to 2m2m, and rac{2}{3} times 6-6 simplifies to 4-4: 2m4=5m2m - 4 = 5 - m

Step 2. Collect all variable terms on one side. Add mm to both sides to bring the variables to the left side: 2m+m4=5m+m2m + m - 4 = 5 - m + m 3m4=53m - 4 = 5

Step 3. Collect all constant terms on the other side. Add 44 to both sides to bring the constants to the right side: 3m4+4=5+43m - 4 + 4 = 5 + 4 3m=93m = 9

Step 4. Make the coefficient of the variable term equal to 1. Divide both sides by 33: rac{3m}{3} = rac{9}{3} m=3m = 3

Step 5. Check the solution. Substitute 33 for mm in the original equation: rac{2}{3}(3(3) - 6) = 5 - 3 rac{2}{3}(9 - 6) = 2 rac{2}{3}(3) = 2 2=22 = 2

Since the equation balances, the solution m=3m = 3 is correct.

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Updated 2026-04-22

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