SOLUTION: I am trying to solve the problem 6b+14=-7-b. I came up with the answer of -3. Is that correct? What's throwing me off is this, shouldn't I be able to plug the -3 into the b and

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: I am trying to solve the problem 6b+14=-7-b. I came up with the answer of -3. Is that correct? What's throwing me off is this, shouldn't I be able to plug the -3 into the b and       Log On


   

Question 83607: I am trying to solve the problem 6b+14=-7-b. I came up with the answer of -3. Is that correct? What's throwing me off is this, shouldn't I be able to plug the -3 into the b and both sides of the equation be equal?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
6b%2B14=-7-b Start with the given equation
6b%2Bb%2B14=-7 Add b to both sides
6b%2Bb=-7-14 Subtract 14 from both sides
7b=-21 Combine like terms
b=-3 Divide both sides by 7
Check:
6%28-3%29%2B14=-7-%28-3%29 Plug in b=-3
-18%2B14=-7%2B3 Multiply
-4=-4 Add. So this verifies our answer
I'm assuming that's the steps you took to get that answer. I'm also assuming that when you added -7-(-3), you accidentally said -7-3=-10 instead of -7-(-3)=-4, which might explain why your verification didn't work