1. **Problem:** Solve the equation $7 - (4x - 5) = 18$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve linear equations, first simplify both sides by removing parentheses and combining like terms. 3. **Step 1:** Remove parentheses carefully: $$7 - (4x - 5) = 7 - 4x + 5$$ 4. **Step 2:** Simplify the left side: $$7 + 5 - 4x = 12 - 4x$$ 5. **Step 3:** Rewrite the equation: $$12 - 4x = 18$$ 6. **Step 4:** Subtract 12 from both sides: $$\cancel{12} - 4x - \cancel{12} = 18 - 12$$ $$-4x = 6$$ 7. **Step 5:** Divide both sides by $-4$: $$x = \frac{6}{-4} = -\frac{3}{2}$$ 8. **Answer:** $x = -\frac{3}{2}$. This is the first problem solved in the Kumon style with clear steps and explanations.