1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression and solve for $x$. 2. **Identify the expression:** Since the user did not provide a specific expression, let's assume a general linear equation to demonstrate the process: $$ax + b = 0$$ where $a$ and $b$ are constants. 3. **Formula used:** To solve for $x$, isolate $x$ by subtracting $b$ from both sides and then dividing both sides by $a$: $$ax + b = 0$$ $$ax = -b$$ $$\cancel{a}x = \cancel{a} \times \frac{-b}{a}$$ 4. **Simplify:** $$x = \frac{-b}{a}$$ 5. **Explanation:** - We first moved $b$ to the right side by subtracting it from both sides. - Then, we divided both sides by $a$ to isolate $x$. - The cancellation shows the division step clearly. 6. **Final answer:** $$x = \frac{-b}{a}$$ This is the general solution for a linear equation in the form $ax + b = 0$. If you provide a specific expression, I can solve that exactly.