How do you solve #3b + 7= 8b - 18#?

1 Answer
Jan 3, 2017

#b=5#

Explanation:

Collect terms in x on the left side of the equation and numeric values on the right side.

subtract 8b from both sides.

#3b-8b+7=cancel(8b)cancel(-8b)-18#

#rArr-5b+7=-18#

subtract 7 from both sides.

#-5bcancel(+7)cancel(-7)=-18-7#

#rArr-5b=-25#

To solve for b, divide both sides by - 5

#(cancel(-5) b)/cancel(-5)=(-25)/(-5)#

#rArrb=5#

#color(blue)"As a check"#

#"left side "=(3xx5)+7=15+7=22#

#"right side" =(8xx5)-18=40-18=22#

#rArrb=5" is the solution"#