1. **State the problem:** The tide starts 20 meters from the shore and recedes at a rate of 3 meters per hour for 6 hours. 2. **Identify what is asked:** Find the distance of the tide from the shore after 6 hours. 3. **Write the expression for distance after 6 hours:** $$\text{Distance} = \text{Initial distance} - (\text{rate} \times \text{time})$$ 4. **Substitute the values:** $$\text{Distance} = 20 - (3 \times 6)$$ 5. **Calculate:** $$\text{Distance} = 20 - 18 = 2$$ 6. **Interpret the result:** After 6 hours, the tide is 2 meters from the shore.