Let's simplify the expression $7b - 5 + 2b$:

1. Combine like terms for the $b$-terms: $7b + 2b = 9b$

2. Now, rewrite the simplified expression: $9b - 5$

So the simplified expression is $9b - 5$, which corresponds to option D.

Would you like further details or have any additional questions?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

1. How would you simplify an expression with multiple variables, like $7b - 5 + 2b + 3c$?
2. What is the difference between combining like terms and distributing?
3. How do you handle terms with higher powers of $b$, such as $7b^2 - 5b + 2b^2$?
4. How does combining constants, like in $7b - 5 + 2b + 3$, work?
5. What happens if the signs of the terms are reversed, for example, $7b + 5 - 2b$?

Tip: Always start by identifying like terms (terms that have the same variable and exponent) when simplifying expressions.