To represent the number of balloons \( b \) that Alexa popped, we know from the problem that Krista popped 6 balloons, which is 1 balloon less than what Alexa popped. Therefore, we can set up the equation as follows:
\[ b - 1 = 6 \]
Now, to solve for \( b \):
- Add 1 to both sides of the equation: \[ b - 1 + 1 = 6 + 1 \] \[ b = 7 \]
So, the complete working equation is:
\[ b - 1 = 6 \]
And the solution is:
\[ b = 7 \text{ balloons} \]
Therefore, Alexa popped 7 balloons.