1. The problem asks why $-\frac{9}{2} = N$ is the same as $-\frac{9M}{2} = N$. 2. Let's first understand the expressions: - $-\frac{9}{2} = N$ means $N$ equals negative nine halves. - $-\frac{9M}{2} = N$ means $N$ equals negative nine times $M$ divided by two. 3. These two expressions are only the same if $M = 1$. 4. To see why, start with $-\frac{9M}{2} = N$. 5. If $M = 1$, then $-\frac{9 \times 1}{2} = -\frac{9}{2} = N$. 6. Therefore, $-\frac{9}{2} = N$ is a special case of $-\frac{9M}{2} = N$ when $M=1$. 7. In general, $M$ is a variable or constant that can change the value of $N$. 8. So, $-\frac{9}{2} = N$ is not always the same as $-\frac{9M}{2} = N$ unless $M=1$. Final answer: $-\frac{9}{2} = N$ is the same as $-\frac{9M}{2} = N$ only if $M=1$.