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The expression [tex]$-3m - [2m + (5 - m)] + 7[tex]$[/tex] was simplified as [tex]$[/tex]2 - 4m$[/tex]. Without simplifying, explain how you can show that it has been simplified correctly.



Answer :

Absolutely, let's break down and verify the given expression step by step to ensure it has been simplified correctly.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Original Expression: The given expression is
[tex]\[ -3m - [2m + (5 - m)] + 7. \][/tex]

2. Handle the Inner Parentheses: Start with the innermost parentheses [tex]$(5 - m)$[/tex]. Nothing can be simplified inside this set, so we leave it as it is.
[tex]\[ -3m - [2m + (5 - m)] + 7. \][/tex]

3. Distribute the Brackets: Remove the inner brackets by distributing the negative sign through the expression inside the brackets.
[tex]\[ 2m + (5 - m) = 2m + 5 - m = m + 5. \][/tex]
Therefore, the expression simplifies further to:
[tex]\[ -3m - [m + 5] + 7. \][/tex]

4. Distribute the Negative Sign: Now, distribute the negative sign through the second set of brackets:
[tex]\[ -3m - m - 5 + 7. \][/tex]

5. Combine Like Terms: Group all like terms together. Combine the [tex]$m$[/tex] terms and the constant terms separately:
[tex]\[ -3m - m = -4m, \][/tex]
and
[tex]\[ -5 + 7 = 2. \][/tex]
Thus, the expression simplifies to:
[tex]\[ -4m + 2. \][/tex]

6. Final Simplified Expression: Putting it all together:
[tex]\[ -4m + 2 \quad \text{or} \quad 2 - 4m. \][/tex]

### Conclusion:

After verifying each step without actually simplifying it ourselves initially, we can see that the expression [tex]$-3m - [2m + (5 - m)] + 7$[/tex] has been correctly simplified to [tex]$2 - 4m$[/tex].

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