My daughter has an assignment in math that includes this equation:

-6b+5= -10

I've tried to help her with a scale. We've figured that you subtract 5 from each equation so its not -6b = -15. Is this correct and can you help us figure out the next step? Her name is Shelley and she is in 8th grade (independent study program).

Thank you.
Mom

Hi,
I think that a scale is a useful analogy for this problem. I would however try to eliminate the negatives just to make it easier to understand at this stage. Start with

Add 10 to both sides to get

Now add 6b to both sides and the equation becomes

Notice that both 15 and 6 are divisible by 3 so divide both sides by 3 and you have

Finally divide both sides by 2 to get

For this last step it may help to think of something familiar. If two b's cost $5 then one b costs $2.50

Cheers,
Penny