Question

Solve the equation: 3 - 2/9b = 1/3b - 7

Answer 1

3 - $\frac{3}{9} b$ = $\frac{1}{3} b$ - 7

First, simplify $\frac{2}{9} b$ to $\frac{2b}{9}$ / Your problem should look like: 3 - $\frac{2b}{9}$ = $\frac{1}{3} b$ - 7
Second, simplify $\frac{1}{3} b$ to $\frac{b}{3}$ / Your problem should look like: 3 - $\frac{2b}{9}$ = $\frac{b}{3}$ - 7
Third, multiply both sides by 9 (the LCD of 9,3). / Your problem should look like: 27 - 2b = 3b - 63
Fourth, add 2b to both sides. / Your problem should look like: 27 = 3b - 63 + 2b
Fifth, simplify 3b - 63 + 2b to 5b - 63. / Your problem should look like: 27 = 5b - 63
Sixth, add 63 to both sides. / Your problem should look like: 27 + 63 = 5b
Seventh, simplify 27 + 63 to 90. / Your problem should look like: 90 = 5b
Eighth, divide both sides by 5. / Your problem should look like: $\frac{90}{5}$ = b
Ninth, simplify $\frac{90}{5}$ to 18. / Your problem should look like: 18 = b
Tenth, switch sides. Your problem should look like: b = 18

Answer: b = 18