SOLUTION: Explain how to solve the following equation: 34 - b = 17 I'd like step-by-step instructions for how to solve.

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Question 226433: Explain how to solve the following equation:
34 - b = 17
I'd like step-by-step instructions for how to solve.
Answer by drj(1380) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Explain how to solve the following equation:

34+-+b+=+17

I'd like step-by-step instructions for how to solve.

Step 1. Subtract 34 from both sides so you can get variable only on one side and numbers only on the other side.

34-b-34=17-34

-b=-17

Step 2. Multiply by -1 to both sides of the to get a positive b

%28-1%29%2A%28-b%29=%28-1%29%2A%28-17%29

b=17

Step 3. Check solution b=17 and substitute into original equation 34+-+b+=+17

34-17=17

17=17 which is a true statement.

Step 4. ANSWER: Solution is b=17.

I hope the above steps were helpful.

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Good luck in your studies!

Respectfully,
Dr J