Solve the Linear Equation: Simplifying 7m + 3m - 40m = 0

Linear Equations with Like Terms

7m+3m40m=0 7m+3m-40m=0

m=? m=\text{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 We've identified the variable M.
00:09 Now, let's gather all the factors together.
00:16 Next, we'll isolate M on one side of the equation.
00:26 And that's how we find the solution to the problem!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

7m+3m40m=0 7m+3m-40m=0

m=? m=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll proceed with the following steps:

  • Step 1: Combine like terms of the given equation.
  • Step 2: Solve for the variable m m .

Now, let's work through these steps:

Step 1: Combine like terms:
We start with the equation 7m+3m40m=0 7m + 3m - 40m = 0 .
Combining these like terms entails adding or subtracting the coefficients of m m :

(7+340)m=0 (7 + 3 - 40)m = 0
Calculate the sum and difference of these coefficients:
(1040)m=0 (10 - 40)m = 0

This simplifies to:
30m=0 -30m = 0

Step 2: Solve for m m :
To isolate m m , divide both sides by 30-30:
m=030 m = \frac{0}{-30}

Calculate the right-hand side:

m=0 m = 0

Therefore, the solution to the problem is m=0 m = 0 . This corresponds to choice 3 from the provided answer options.

3

Final Answer

0

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Combine Like Terms: Add or subtract coefficients of the same variable
  • Technique: Calculate (7 + 3 - 40)m = -30m = 0
  • Check: Substitute m = 0: 7(0) + 3(0) - 40(0) = 0 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Combining coefficients incorrectly
    Don't add 7 + 3 - 40 = -50 instead of -30! This happens when you rush through arithmetic or forget negative signs. Always double-check: 7 + 3 = 10, then 10 - 40 = -30.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( x+x=8 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why does m equal 0 instead of some other number?

+

When you have -30m = 0, the only way this can be true is if m=0 m = 0 . Any number times 0 equals 0!

What are like terms exactly?

+

Like terms have the same variable raised to the same power. Here, 7m, 3m, and -40m are all like terms because they all contain just m m .

Can I solve this equation differently?

+

You could isolate terms differently, but combining like terms first is the most efficient method. It reduces the equation to its simplest form quickly.

What if the coefficient of m wasn't -30?

+

If you had something like 5m=0 5m = 0 , you'd still get m=0 m = 0 . When anything times m equals zero, m must be zero!

How do I avoid arithmetic errors when combining coefficients?

+
  • Write out each step: 7 + 3 = 10
  • Then: 10 - 40 = -30
  • Double-check by adding differently: 7 - 40 = -33, then -33 + 3 = -30

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Linear Equations (One Variable) questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations