Solve x=a-b-2

$$x = a - b - 2$$

Solve for a

$$a=x+b+2$$

Solution Steps

Swap sides so that all variable terms are on the left hand side.

$$a-b-2=x$$

Add b to both sides.

$$a-2=x+b$$

Add 2 to both sides.

$$a=x+b+2$$

Solve for b

$$b=-x+a-2$$

Steps for Solving Linear Equation

Swap sides so that all variable terms are on the left hand side.

$$a-b-2=x$$

Subtract a from both sides.

$$-b-2=x-a$$

Add 2 to both sides.

$$-b=x-a+2$$

Divide both sides by -1.

$$\frac{-b}{-1}=\frac{x-a+2}{-1}$$

Dividing by -1 undoes the multiplication by -1.

$$b=\frac{x-a+2}{-1}$$

Divide x-a+2 by -1.

$$b=-x+a-2$$