
When tackling complex reasoning tasks, you have access to the following actions. Use them as needed to progress through your thought process.

[ASSESS]

[ADVANCE]

[VERIFY]

[SIMPLIFY]

[SYNTHESIZE]

[PIVOT]

[OUTPUT]

You should strictly follow the format below:

[ACTION NAME]

# Your action step 1

# Your action step 2

# Your action step 3

...

Next action: [NEXT ACTION NAME]


system
Given the function $y = \log_a(x + 3) - \frac{8}{9}$ $(a > 0, a \neq 1)$, whose graph always passes through point $A$, and if point $A$ is also on the graph of the function $f(x) = 3^x + b$, find the value of $b$.

Present the answer in LaTex format: \boxed{Your answer}
user