1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $5b = -3 + 24$ for $b$. 2. **Simplify the right side:** $$5b = -3 + 24$$ $$5b = 21$$ 3. **Isolate $b$ by dividing both sides by 5:** $$b = \frac{21}{5}$$ 4. **Show the cancellation step:** $$b = \cancel{\frac{21}{5}}$$ (no common factors to cancel, so fraction remains as is) 5. **Final answer:** $$b = \frac{21}{5}$$ or $b = 4.2$ This means $b$ equals four and two-fifths.