Question

$-5(b - 1) = 40$

Explanation:

Step1: Divide both sides by -5

$\frac{-5(b-1)}{-5} = \frac{40}{-5}$
$b-1 = -8$

Step2: Add 1 to both sides

$b-1 + 1 = -8 + 1$
$b = -7$

Answer:

$b = -7$