Question

Another type of subtraction equation is 16-b=7. Explain how you would sole this equation then solve it.

Answer 1

9

Explanation:

The first thing to do is to subtract 16 from both side of the equation:

16 - 16 - b = 7 - 16

The 16s on the left cancel out resulting in:

-b = -9

Think of the -b as -1(9). This is multiplication. By doing the inverse operation (division) we can get rid of the negative on the b. We will divide both sides by -1.

`(b)/(-1) = (-9)/(-1)`

This leaves a positive b. Since both parts of the right side of the equation are negative it becomes positive ( a negative divided by a negative is a positive).

The final answer is b= 9.

Check our work by plugging in the b value (9) into the original equation:

16 - 9 = 7

7 = 7 is true so we now we have the right answer.

Answer 2

Answer: B = 9

Explanation:

16-b=7

Rearrange so we can subtract 16 by 7

16 - 7 = 9

Substituting 9 for b and making sure it's correct.

16 - 9 = 7