2(20/11M)=3M+21: Per Veritas solution when the 2 was distributed the new equation was 40M=33M+11(21). When I distribute the 2 I get 40/11M. Since 2 is the same as 2/1. An dto get rid of the fraction you multiply by the reciprocal. Why was that not the case here? Am I missing something? please explain.

Let's walk through the steps on this one.

Our two initial equations are:

(1) W/M = 20/11
and
(2) W/(M+7) = 3/2

Working with equation (1):
W = 20M/11

Working with equation 2:
W = (3M + 21) / 2

Since both pieces are equal to W, we can set them equal to each other:

20M/11 = (3M+21)/2
Multiply both sides by 2
40M/11 = 3M+21
Multiply both sides by 11
40M = 33M + 231
7M = 231
M = 33

Hope this helps!

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