Question

-5x - 2 = 18

Explanation:

Step1: Add 2 to both sides

To isolate the term with \( x \), we add 2 to both sides of the equation \(-5x - 2 = 18\). This gives us \(-5x - 2 + 2 = 18 + 2\), which simplifies to \(-5x = 20\).

Step2: Divide by -5

Now, to solve for \( x \), we divide both sides of the equation \(-5x = 20\) by \(-5\). So, \(\frac{-5x}{-5} = \frac{20}{-5}\), which simplifies to \( x = -4 \).

Answer:

\( x = -4 \)