-6(x + 6) – 5 = 7(x + 1) We start with the original equation.

-6x – 36 – 5 = 7x + 7 First, distribute the constants -6 and 7 inside the parentheses. This expands the equation.

-6x – 41 = 7x + 7 Combine the constant terms on the left side: -36 – 5 becomes -41.

-6x – 7x = 7 + 41 Move all terms involving x to one side and constant terms to the other. We do this by subtracting 7x from both sides and adding 41 to both sides.

-13x = 48 Combine the x terms and constant terms: -6x – 7x becomes -13x and 7 + 41 becomes 48.

x = -48 / 13 Divide both sides by -13 to solve for x, resulting in x = -48 / 13.

x = -3.6923 For more clarity, x is approximately -3.6923 when rounded to four decimal places.