1. **Stating the problem:** Solve the equation $$2(x + 2) = -5(x - 6) - 5$$. 2. **Formula and rules:** Use distributive property and combine like terms. 3. **Step-by-step solution:** - Distribute both sides: $$2x + 4 = -5x + 30 - 5$$ - Simplify right side: $$2x + 4 = -5x + 25$$ - Add $5x$ to both sides: $$2x + 5x + 4 = -5x + 5x + 25$$ $$7x + 4 = 25$$ - Subtract 4 from both sides: $$7x + \cancel{4} - \cancel{4} = 25 - 4$$ $$7x = 21$$ - Divide both sides by 7: $$\frac{7x}{\cancel{7}} = \frac{21}{\cancel{7}}$$ $$x = 3$$ **Final answer:** $x = 3$