1. **State the problem:** We need to find the rate of change of the function $q = m + 2m - 1$ as $m$ varies. 2. **Simplify the function:** Combine like terms: $$q = m + 2m - 1 = 3m - 1$$ 3. **Formula for rate of change:** The rate of change of a function $q(m)$ with respect to $m$ is the derivative $\frac{dq}{dm}$. 4. **Differentiate the function:** $$\frac{dq}{dm} = \frac{d}{dm}(3m - 1) = 3$$ 5. **Interpretation:** The rate of change is constant and equals 3, meaning for every unit increase in $m$, $q$ increases by 3 units.