<PRE><B>Question 393518</B>
5.85b = 8.68 + 3.68b
The idea is to get b by itself, usually on the left, perform algebra operations to accomplish this
Subtract 3.68b from both sides
5.85b - 3.68b = 8.68 + 3.68b - 3.68b
which is
2.17b = 8.68 + 0
or just
2.17b = 8.68 
We want b to have a coefficient of 1, divide both sides by 2.17. divide the right side using a calc
{{{2.17/2.17}}}b = {{{8.68/2.17}}}
which is
1b = 4
or just
b = 4
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Now we can prove that this is correct by replacing b with 4 in the original problem.
5.85b = 8.68 + 3.68b
5.85(4) = 8.68 + 3.68(4)
Using a calc we have
23.4 = 8.68 + 14.72
do the math on the right
23.4 = 23.4, equality!! confirms our solution of b = 4
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did this shed some light on this stuff for you? </PRE>