What is the solution to the linear equation?–12 + 3b – 1 = –5 – b

Combine the constants on the left: −12 − 1 = −13, so the equation becomes −13 + 3b = −5 − b. Add b to both sides and add 13 to both sides to get 4b = 8, then divide by 4: b = 2. The correct choice is D, b = 2.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.