Answer :

Let's solve for [tex]\( w \)[/tex] in the equation [tex]\( 173 - w = 42 \)[/tex].

1. Understand the Equation: We have the equation [tex]\( 173 - w = 42 \)[/tex]. We need to find the value of [tex]\( w \)[/tex].

2. Isolate [tex]\( w \)[/tex]: To isolate [tex]\( w \)[/tex], let's move [tex]\( w \)[/tex] to one side of the equation and the constants to the other. We can do this by subtracting 42 from 173:

[tex]\[
173 - w = 42
\][/tex]

3. Perform the Subtraction: Subtract 42 from 173 to find what [tex]\( w \)[/tex] equates to:

[tex]\[
173 - 42 = 131
\][/tex]

4. Solve for [tex]\( w \)[/tex]: Subtracting 42 from 173 gives us:

[tex]\[
w = 131
\][/tex]

Therefore, the solution is [tex]\(\boxed{131}\)[/tex].