Step 1 :Given that the results of the test are closely approximated by a normal curve, with a mean of 77 and a standard deviation of 6.
Step 2 :The teacher wishes to give A's to the top $8 \%$ of the students and F's to the bottom $8 \%$. A grade of B is given to the next $15 \%$, with D's given similarly. All other students get Cs.
Step 3 :We are asked to find the bottom cutoff for a B grade.
Step 4 :Using a table of areas under the standard normal curve, we find that the $z$-score for the bottom $8 \%$ plus $15 \%$ is $-0.74$.
Step 5 :We can use the formula for the $z$-score, which is $Z = \frac{X - \mu}{\sigma}$, where $X$ is the score, $\mu$ is the mean, and $\sigma$ is the standard deviation.
Step 6 :Rearranging the formula, we get $X = Z \cdot \sigma + \mu$.
Step 7 :Substituting the given values, we get $X = -0.74 \cdot 6 + 77$, which simplifies to $X = 72.56$.
Step 8 :However, we are asked to round the answer to the nearest whole number. Therefore, the bottom cutoff for a B grade is 73.
Step 9 :Final Answer: The bottom cutoff for a B is \(\boxed{73}\).