2/3b + 5 = 20 - b

Solve for b

Okay, so with these equations, you collect 'like terms.' like terms are basically grouping things that are the same together, so for example a+a-b+2b would be 2a+b.

with this equation you want to do the same.

2/3b + 5 = 20 - b

first, make all the numbers integers (whole numbers). we want to make 2/3b a whole number, so we multiply the whole equation by 3 to keep everything in proportion with each other, thus ending up with

2b + 15 = 60 - 3b

now we collect 'like terms.'

add 3b to both sides gives

5b + 15 = 60

subtract 15 from both sides

5b = 45

divide by 5 to leave the value of b

b = 9