Make b the subject of the formula a = 3 - 2b

So this question wants you to rearrange the formula so that b is on its own on one side of the equals sign. As its a formula and not asking for the value of the equation you don't have to worry about solving a or b, just rearranging it so b is on its own. So the first thing to do is remove the 3 which is being added to b, this can be done by subtracting 3 from both sides of the equation. This would give 3 - 2b - 3 = a - 3 which leaves you with -2b = a - 3. Now you're just left with the minus 2, which is multiplied by b. Therefore you can remove that by dividing both sides by minus two. This would give you -2b/-2 = a - 3/-2. The minus 2 cancel out on the left side leaving just b. However the right side can also be simplified because you can remove the minus from the division as it changes the positive and negative values for a and -3 such that b = -(a -3)/2. You can expand this bracket to give b = 3 -a /2. 

CB
Answered by Calum B. Maths tutor

13065 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

In the isosceles triangle ABC, AB=AC and angle B=(3x +32)degrees and angle C=(87-2X)degrees


Make x the subject of the formula 4(2x-y) = 3ax - 5


How do I simplify a fraction with surds on the bottom when the surd is part of a function?


The area of this rectangle is 56 cm2 length = 3k+2 and width = 7 - Find the value of k


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning