To simplify and solve the equation, start by combining like terms. The equation is:
4m + 9 + 5m – 12 = 42
First, combine the ‘m’ terms:
4m + 5m = 9m
Next, combine the constant terms:
9 – 12 = -3
Now we rewrite the equation:
9m – 3 = 42
The next step is to isolate ‘m’. Add 3 to both sides of the equation:
9m – 3 + 3 = 42 + 3
Which simplifies to:
9m = 45
Next, divide both sides by 9:
m = 45 / 9
This gives us:
m = 5
So, the solution to the equation is:
m = 5