Answer:
b = -9
Explanation:
-7b - 4(b + 7) = -3b - 4(b -2)
First we want to distribute the coefficients across the parentheses. To do so, we multiply the coefficient by every term within the parentheses.
-7b - 4(b + 7) = -3b - 4(b - 2)
-4 • b = -4b
-4 • 7 = -28
-4 • b = -4b
-4 • -2 = 8
Simplify the expression with these new values.
-7b - 4b - 28 = -3b - 4b + 8
Now we want to combine the like terms. First combine the variables.
-7b - 4b - 28 = -3b - 4b + 8
-11b - 28 = -7b + 8
Combine further by adding 7b to both sides.
-4b - 28 = 8
Combine the constants by adding 28 to both sides.
-4b = 36
Isolate b by dividing both sides by -4.
b = -9
This is your answer.
Check your answer by plugging b = -9 back into the original equation.
-7b - 4(b + 7) = -3b - 4(b - 2)
-7(-9) - 4(-9 + 7) = -3(-9) - 4((-9) - 2)
63 - 4(-2) = 27 - 4(-11)
63 + 8 = 27 + 44
71 = 71
Your answer is correct.
Hope this helps!