How do you solve #-11b + 7= 40 #?

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Answer 1 · 2018-02-01T16:17:55

See a solution process below:

First, subtract #color(red)(7)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #b# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-11b + 7 - color(red)(7) = 40 - color(red)(7)#

#-11b + 0 = 33#

#-11b = 33#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-11)# to solve for #b# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-11b)/color(red)(-11) = 33/color(red)(-11)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-11)))b)/cancel(color(red)(-11)) = -3#

#b = -3#