Isolate term with b: First, we want to isolate the term containing b on one side of the equation. To do this, we add 45 to both sides of the equation to cancel out the −45 on the left side.(3b)−45+45=−40+45
Simplify both sides: Now, we simplify both sides of the equation by combining like terms. 3b=5
Get rid of division: To solve for b, we need to get rid of the division by 3. We do this by multiplying both sides of the equation by 3.(3b)×3=5×3
Find the value of b: Multiplying both sides by 3 gives us the value of b.b=15
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