Question 226433
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


{{{(-1)*(-b)=(-1)*(-17)}}}


{{{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