Question

What is the solution to the linear equation?

–12 + 3b – 1 = –5 – b

Answer 1

b=2

Explanation:

-12 + 3b -1 = -5 - b

-13 + 3b = -5 - b

+13 = +13

_____________

3b = 8 - b

+b = +b

_________

4b = 8

/4 = /4 <---divide 8 by 4

_______________

b = 2

Answer 2

-12+3b-1=-5-b
Combine like terms to get:
3b-13=-5-b
Add 13 to both sides:
3b= 8-b
Add b to both sides:
4b=8
Divide both sides by 4:
4b/4=8/4
b=2

Final answer
b=2