1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$-2(y + 4) = 2$$ for the variable $y$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply $-2$ by each term inside the parentheses. $$-2 \times y + (-2) \times 4 = 2$$ which simplifies to $$-2y - 8 = 2$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $y$:** Add 8 to both sides to move the constant term. $$-2y - 8 + 8 = 2 + 8$$ which simplifies to $$-2y = 10$$ 4. **Divide both sides by $-2$ to solve for $y$:** $$y = \frac{10}{-2}$$ Show the cancellation step: $$y = \frac{\cancel{10}}{\cancel{-2}} \times \frac{5}{-1} = -5$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$y = -5$$