need help solving equation: 15 - (4m - 5) = 32

I am confused about solving the following equation:

. . .15 - (4m - 5) = 32

What should I do with the subtraction sign that comes before the parentheses? Does it make the expression in the parentheses negative?

Thank you!

15 - (4m - 5) = 32

the negative sign in front of the ( ) is just like -1 ... distribute the -1 over the expression in ( )

15 - 4m + 5 = 32

can you finish now?

Mikki said:

I am confused about solving the following equation:
. . .15 - (4m - 5) = 32
What should I do with the subtraction sign that comes before the parentheses? Does it make the expression in the parentheses negative?

Click to expand...

You can also "make it" a plus sign by rearranging:
15 - 32 = +(4m - 5)
-17 = 4m - 5

or by multiplying the whole thing by -1:
-15 + (4m - 5) = -32