First you would replace "b" with "7" and then "a" with "12"
You would have 3(7) - 2(12) - 9
Next step would be combining 3 and 7, also combine 2 and 12
You would have 21 - 2 x 12 - 9
Multiply 2 and 12 (24) and put back in equation
Then you would end up with 21 - 24 - 9
Subtract all that and you end up with -12
Answer: -12