If 3b+12=5 (b-4), what is b?

Question

Solve for b

Answer 1

3b + 12 = 5(b - 4)

Use the distributive property.

3b + 12 = 5b - 20

Add - 5b to each side.

- 2b + 12 = - 20

Add - 12 to each side.

- 2b = - 32

Divide by - 2

b = 16

Check the answer:

3 * 16 + 12 = 5(16 - 4)

48 + 12 = 5(12)

60 = 60

Hope this helped, Emma.

Mary Ann