Final answer:
To solve the equation 4(b + 5) - 9 = -7 and find the value of b, distribute the 4, combine like terms, and isolate the variable b by subtracting and dividing.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the equation, 4(b + 5) - 9 = -7, we need to isolate the variable b. First, distribute the 4 to both terms inside the parentheses: 4b + 20 - 9 = -7. Combine like terms: 4b + 11 = -7. Next, subtract 11 from both sides of the equation: 4b = -18. Finally, divide both sides of the equation by 4 to solve for b: b = -4.5.