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We begin by addressing the parenthesis:
Remember that:
When we multiply a positive number by a negative number, the result will be negative.
When we multiply a negative number by a negative number, the result will be positive.
Hence we obtain the following calculation:
Next we join together the z coefficients:
We then join together the m coefficients:
Finally we obtain the following:
\( 70:(14\times5)= \)
The negative sign in front of parentheses acts like multiplying by -1. So . The double negative becomes positive!
Look for terms with the same variable! In this problem: z terms (12z and +z) combine to 13z, and m terms (3m and -m) combine to 2m.
Treat them as constant terms and combine them separately from the variable terms. For example, if you had +5 and -3, they would combine to +2.
You can, but it's safer to handle parentheses first using the distributive property, then combine like terms. This prevents sign errors and follows the proper order of operations.
Substitute specific values for the variables into both the original expression and your simplified answer. If they give the same result, your simplification is correct! ✓
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