Question

what is the first step in solving the equation 9m - 2 = 16?

Answer 1

The first step would be to add 2 to 16, eliminating it from the left side. To then divide both sides by 9. 

Answer 2

first you would subtract 2 from both sides of the problem  9m-2=16
                                                                                                 -2=-2
                                                                                                  0 =14     
leaving you with 9m=14 
then you would divide 9 on both sides
leaving you with m=1.5 with a repeating 6