Answer:
-9 is your answer for b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Note the equal sign, what you do to one side, you do to the other. Also note the rule that if you have a positive sign & a negative sign next to each other, the resulting sign would be negative:
b + (-17) = -26
b - 17 = -26
Isolate the variable (b). Add 17 to both sides:
b - 17 (+17) = -26 (+17)
b = -26 + 17
Simplify:
b = -26 + 17
b = -9
-9 is your answer for b.
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Remember the rules:
Addition sign + Positive number = Add (Ex: 7 + 7 = 14)
Addition sign + Negative number = Subtract (Ex: 7 + (-7) = 7 - 7 = 0)
Subtraction sign + Positive number = Subtract (Ex: -3 + 4 = 4 - 3 = 1)
Subtraction sign + Subtraction sign = Add (Ex: 5 - (-5) = 5 + 5 = 10)
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