1. We are given the equation $35 = -2x - 15$ and need to solve for $x$. 2. Start by isolating the term with $x$ on one side. Add 15 to both sides: $$35 + 15 = -2x - 15 + 15$$ $$50 = -2x$$ 3. To solve for $x$, divide both sides by $-2$: $$\frac{50}{\cancel{-2}} = \frac{-2x}{\cancel{-2}}$$ $$x = -25$$ 4. The solution is $x = -25$. This means when $x$ is $-25$, the original equation holds true.