Final answer:
The sentence 'the total of 255 and b equals 167' is written as the equation 255 + b = 167. To solve for b, subtract 255 from both sides to get b = -88.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the question asks to write the sentence as an equation, it refers to translating words into mathematical symbols and numbers. The sentence 'the total of 255 and b equals 167' can be represented as the equation 255 + b = 167.
To solve for b, you would follow basic algebra and subtract 255 from both sides of the equation. This would give you b = 167 - 255.
Once you calculate, you get b = -88, which is the value of b that makes the equation true. Remember that when working with equations, what you perform on one side, you must also do to the other side to maintain the balance of the equation.