1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $2(m + 3) - 6 = 18$ for $m$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply 2 by each term inside the parentheses: $$2(m + 3) = 2m + 6$$ So the equation becomes: $$2m + 6 - 6 = 18$$ 3. **Simplify the left side:** Combine like terms $6 - 6$: $$2m + 0 = 18$$ Which simplifies to: $$2m = 18$$ 4. **Isolate $m$:** Divide both sides of the equation by 2: $$m = \frac{18}{2}$$ 5. **Calculate the division:** $$m = 9$$ **Final answer:** $m = 9$