what is the solution to the linear equation?\n-12 + 3b - 1 = -5 - b\n○ b = -2\n○ b = -1.5\n○ b = 1.5\n○ b = 2

Explanation:

Step1: Combine like terms

$$ \begin{align*} -12 + 3b-1&=-5 - b\ 3b-13&=-5 - b \end{align*} $$

Step2: Add (b) to both sides

$$ \begin{align*} 3b + b-13&=-5 - b+ b\ 4b-13&=-5 \end{align*} $$

Step3: Add 13 to both sides

$$ \begin{align*} 4b-13 + 13&=-5+13\ 4b&=8 \end{align*} $$

Step4: Divide both sides by 4

$$ \begin{align*} \frac{4b}{4}&=\frac{8}{4}\ b&=2 \end{align*} $$

Answer:

(b = 2) (the fourth option)