2m + m = 36 this is really like saying 2m + 1m = 36 or m(2+1) = 36 we can add the 2 m's since they have the same letter.
3m = 36 now to get m by itself, since its being multiplied by 3 to undo that we divide by 3, and what you do to one side u must do to the other.
3m/3 = 36/3
1m = 12
m=12