- = Since the two fractions have a common denominator already, we can just subtract the numerators. b-3b=-2b or -3b+b=-2b Either way you get the same answer :) Our new fraction is Now we know that this must be equal to Again, since the denominators are already the same of course they are equal. 13=13 Now we have to set the numerators equal -2b=8 Use inverse operations to get b alone -2b=8 ÷-2 ÷-2 b=-4 If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Hope this helped! :)