1 You can verify by plugging the number 13 into the equation and following the order of operations. 17x(3+2)+ 13 =98.
                     17x(5)+13=98
                     85+13=98

2  You can use algebra: 

17x(3+2)+b=98
17x5+b=98
85+b=98
-85    -85
      b=13