Final answer:
To solve the given equation, we add 18 to both sides, simplify, multiply both sides by 5, and then simplify again to find that M equals 10.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation -16 = M/5 - 18, we need to isolate the variable M.
- Add 18 to both sides of the equation to begin isolating M: -16 + 18 = M/5.
- Simplify the left side: 2 = M/5.
- Multiply both sides by 5 to solve for M: 5 × 2 = M.
- Simplify the multiplication: M = 10.
It is important to eliminate terms wherever possible to simplify the algebra, and check the answer to see if it is reasonable.