How do you solve #13b + 7b - 2= 18#?

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Answer 1 · 2017-07-15T18:24:43

See a solution process below:

First, combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

#(13 + 7)b - 2 = 18#

#20b - 2 = 18#

Next, add #color(red)(2)# to each side of the equation to isolate the #b# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#20b - 2 + color(red)(2) = 18 + color(red)(2)#

#20b - 0 = 20#

#20b = 20#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(20)# to solve for #b# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(20b)/color(red)(20) = 20/color(red)(20)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(20)))b)/cancel(color(red)(20)) = 1#

#b = 1#