Question

If $m$ is a whole number less than $5,$ complete the table and by inspection of the table, find the solution of the equation $2m-5=-1$.

$\begin{array}{cccccc}m& & & & & \\ 2m-5& & & & & \end{array}$

Answer 1

Since, $m$ is a whole number which is less than $5$, then solution of the equation is given by substituting the given values:

$m=0,1,2,3,4$

$\begin{array}{cccccc}m& 0& 1& 2& 3& 4\\ 2m-5& (2\times 0)-5=-5& (2\times 1)-5=-3& (2\times 2)-5=-1& (2\times 3)-5=1& (2\times 4)-5=3\end{array}$

By observing the table above, we can understand that only $m=2$ is satisfying the given equation.

$\therefore$ The solution of the equation $2m-5=-1$ is $m=2$.