1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$-4(p + 5) = 20$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply $$-4$$ by each term inside the parentheses. $$-4(p + 5) = -4p - 20$$ So the equation becomes: $$-4p - 20 = 20$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $$p$$:** Add 20 to both sides to cancel the $$-20$$. $$-4p - 20 + 20 = 20 + 20$$ $$-4p = 40$$ 4. **Solve for $$p$$:** Divide both sides by $$-4$$. $$p = \frac{40}{-4}$$ Show the cancellation: $$p = \frac{\cancel{40}}{\cancel{-4}} \times \frac{10}{-1} = -10$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$p = -10$$