1. The problem is to understand the equation $b = 5a - c$ and how the variables relate. 2. This is a linear equation where $b$ depends on $a$ and $c$. 3. The formula shows $b$ equals five times $a$ minus $c$. 4. To isolate any variable, you can rearrange the equation. For example, to solve for $a$: $$b = 5a - c$$ Add $c$ to both sides: $$b + c = 5a$$ Divide both sides by 5: $$\frac{b + c}{\cancel{5}} = a$$ 5. So, $a = \frac{b + c}{5}$. 6. Similarly, to solve for $c$: $$b = 5a - c$$ Add $c$ to both sides and subtract $b$: $$c = 5a - b$$ 7. This equation is useful for expressing one variable in terms of the others and understanding their linear relationship.