Chapter 2 - Solving Equations - 2-4 Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides - Practice and Problem-Solving Exercises - Page 105: 16

b = -2

2b + 4 = -18 - 9b First, you need to get the variable (b) on one side of the equation, so add 9b to both sides of the equation. This will remove the b from the right side of the equation. 2b + 4 + 9b = -18 - 9b + 9b Simplify to get this: 11b + 4 = -18 Subtract 4 from each side. 11b + 4 - 4 = -18 - 4 Simplify to get: 11b = -22 Divide each side by 11. $\frac{11b}{11}$ = $\frac{-22}{11}$ Simplify to b = -2 We check our answer to find that our answer is, indeed, correct.