Question

solve for b.
-2(b + 5) = 4
b = ?

Explanation:

Step1: Distribute -2

Multiply -2 with each term inside the parentheses: $-2 \times b + (-2) \times 5 = 4$ which simplifies to $-2b - 10 = 4$.

Step2: Add 10 to both sides

To isolate the term with \(b\), add 10 to both sides: $-2b - 10 + 10 = 4 + 10$ which simplifies to $-2b = 14$.

Step3: Divide by -2

Divide both sides by -2 to solve for \(b\): $\frac{-2b}{-2} = \frac{14}{-2}$ which gives \(b = -7\).

Answer:

\(b = -7\)