How do you solve #-5b + 2b = - 24#?

1 Answer
Jan 8, 2018

#color(red)(b=8)#

Explanation:

1) Collecting like terms, treat it as numbers if that is easier:

#color(green)(-5+2=-3)#

#therefore# #color(green)(-3b=-24)#

2) Then you can solve like an equation:

#color(red)(b=-24/-3)#

Since #color(blue)(-1*-1=+1)#

This changes the equation to:

#color(red)(b=24/3=8)#