1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $16 - 2t = 5t + 9$ for $t$. 2. **Write down the equation:** $$16 - 2t = 5t + 9$$ 3. **Goal:** Isolate $t$ on one side of the equation. 4. **Step 1: Move all terms involving $t$ to one side and constants to the other side.** Add $2t$ to both sides: $$16 - \cancel{2t} + 2t = 5t + 2t + 9$$ which simplifies to $$16 = 7t + 9$$ 5. **Step 2: Subtract 9 from both sides to isolate the term with $t$: $$16 - 9 = 7t + \cancel{9} - 9$$ which simplifies to $$7 = 7t$$ 6. **Step 3: Divide both sides by 7 to solve for $t$: $$\frac{7}{\cancel{7}} = \frac{7t}{\cancel{7}}$$ which simplifies to $$1 = t$$ 7. **Final answer:** $$t = 1$$