1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $3b + 2 = 14$ for $b$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve for $b$, isolate the variable by performing inverse operations. Subtract or add terms to both sides and then divide or multiply to solve for the variable. 3. **Step-by-step solution:** - Start with the equation: $3b + 2 = 14$ - Subtract 2 from both sides to isolate the term with $b$: $3b + 2 - 2 = 14 - 2$ - Simplify: $3b = 12$ - Divide both sides by 3 to solve for $b$: $\frac{3b}{3} = \frac{12}{3}$ - Simplify: $b = 4$ 4. **Answer:** The solution is $b = 4$. This means when $b$ is 4, the original equation holds true.