-2(bx - 5) = 16
First, we have to isolate x. -2 is multiplying on the left, then it will divide on the right.
bx - 5 = 16/(-2)
bx - 5 = -8
5 is subtracting on the left, then it will add on the right.
bx = -8 + 5
bx = -3
b is multiplying on the left, then it will divide on the right. The value of x in terms of b is:
x = -3/b
Replacing with b = 3, the value of x when b is 3 is:
x = -3/3
x = -1