1. **State the problem:** We need to find the value of $b$ in the equation $46 - b = 22$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To isolate $b$, we use the rule of equality which states that whatever operation we do on one side of the equation, we must do on the other side. 3. **Isolate $b$:** Subtract 22 from both sides to keep the equation balanced: $$46 - b = 22$$ $$46 - b - 22 = 22 - 22$$ $$46 - 22 - b = 0$$ $$24 - b = 0$$ 4. **Solve for $b$:** Add $b$ to both sides and subtract 0 from both sides: $$24 - b + b = 0 + b$$ $$24 = b$$ 5. **Answer:** The missing number $b$ is $24$. This means if you subtract 24 from 46, you get 22.