1. **State the problem:** Solve for $j$ in the equation $$-12j - 6j - (-13) = -5$$. 2. **Rewrite the equation:** Note that subtracting a negative is the same as adding a positive, so $$-12j - 6j + 13 = -5$$. 3. **Combine like terms:** Combine the $j$ terms: $$-12j - 6j = -18j$$ So the equation becomes: $$-18j + 13 = -5$$. 4. **Isolate the $j$ term:** Subtract 13 from both sides: $$-18j + 13 - 13 = -5 - 13$$ $$-18j = -18$$ 5. **Solve for $j$:** Divide both sides by $-18$: $$j = \frac{-18}{\cancel{-18}}$$ $$j = 1$$. **Final answer:** $$j = 1$$