1. **Problem:** Solve the equation $-20 = -4x - 6x$. 2. **Step 1: Combine like terms on the right side.** $$-4x - 6x = (-4 - 6)x = -10x$$ 3. **Step 2: Rewrite the equation.** $$-20 = -10x$$ 4. **Step 3: Solve for $x$ by dividing both sides by $-10$.** $$x = \frac{-20}{-10} = 2$$ 5. **Step 4: Check the solution by substituting $x=2$ back into the original equation.** $$-20 \stackrel{?}{=} -4(2) - 6(2) = -8 - 12 = -20$$ The solution is correct. **Final answer:** $x = 2$