Question

9 b + 42 = -12
Please help me solve?

Answer 1

9b = (-12 - 42)
9b = (-54)
b = (-54/9)
b = -6

Answer 2

Thanks, but now I'm confused...
What type of problem is this? Multi-step Equation?

b = 3.3
was my original answer because I subtracted -42 from both sides which made it "9b = 30"

so then I divided 9 onto both sides and got b=3.3

But you added the 42 and -12 together then divided by 9..

Is this a different type of problem I'm dealing with?
thanks

Answer 3

because I subtracted -42 from both sides
that is the correct step
but you have to be careful about the signs:

9 b + 42 -42 = -12-42

the 42-42 on the left=0
but -12 - 42 is not 30!

Answer 4

-12 - 42 means you start at -12 and go -42 more in the negative direction

Answer 5

Ohh so -54 divided by 9 which equals -6
So the guy above us solved it a different way
Thanks man :')

Answer 6

no wait , he actually solved it the same way haha

Answer 7

Yes, just threw in some parentheses, which do not really change things.