Answer:
m = -19
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "difference" in the question's description lets you know that we are using subtraction and their order in the description lets you know which numbers goes first in the equation.
The difference between m and -17 is -2 becomes
m - (-17) = -2
Simplify this equation by distributing that negative to the number within our parentheses, -17. Two negatives multiplying each other equal a positive.
m - (-17) = -2
m + 17 = -2
Subtract 17 from both sides to isolate variables on one side of the equals sign and constants on the other.
m + 17 - 17 = -2 - 17
m + 0 = - 19
m = -19