-5b - 12 -2

Not sure how the problem is set up as I see a space between the minus sign and the 12 but not between the minus and the 2. But, using the numbers as written: To solve for b, you must form an equation (-5b -12 -2 = 0). Next you must separate the known numbers from the unknown by adding the sum of the knowns to both sides of the equation (-5b = 14). Then divide both sides of the equation by -5 to find the value of b (b = -2.8). No no no no no. It is -5b-14 because the -5b has no relation to the others so it stays as it is and then -12-2=-14 thus getting -5b-12-2=-5b-14. Cool.