1. **State the problem:** Solve for $r$ in the equation $r - 14.2 = 1.89$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To isolate $r$, add $14.2$ to both sides of the equation to cancel out the $-14.2$ on the left side. 3. **Intermediate work:** $$r - 14.2 + 14.2 = 1.89 + 14.2$$ $$r = 1.89 + 14.2$$ 4. **Calculate the sum:** $$r = 16.09$$ 5. **Answer:** The value of $r$ is $16.09$. This means that when $r$ is $16.09$, the original equation holds true.