2a - 3 = 9...... the first thing you would have to do is add a 3 on both sides of the equation. 2a - 3 =9 ------> 2a = 12 +3 +3 Next, divide the 2 out from the a. 2a = 12 ---------> a = 6 /2 2/ _________________________________________________ -3(b + 2) = -9 multiply the -3 in the parentheses
-3(b + 2) = -9 -------> -3b - 6 = -9 Add a 6 to both sides -3b - 6 = -9 --------------> -3b = -3 +6 +6 Lastly divide -3 from both sides -3b = -3 ----------------------> b = 1 /-3 /-3
with its given value: