3b + 2(b - 1) = 8
Follow PEMDAS. First distribute 2 to all terms within the parenthesis
2(b - 1) = 2b - 2
3b + 2b - 2 = 8
Next, Simplify. Combine like terms
(3b + 2b) - 2 = 8
5b - 2 = 8
Next, isolate the b. Add 2 to both sides
5b - 2 (+2) = 8 (+2)
5b = 8 + 2
5b = 10
Finally, isolate the b completely. Divide 5 from both sides
5b/5 = 10/5
b = 10/5
b = 2
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(A) 2 is your answer choice
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hope this helps
