1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$5(3x - 2) = -55$$ for $$x$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply 5 by each term inside the parentheses. $$5 \times 3x - 5 \times 2 = 15x - 10$$ So the equation becomes: $$15x - 10 = -55$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $$x$$:** Add 10 to both sides to move the constant term. $$15x - 10 + 10 = -55 + 10$$ $$15x = -45$$ 4. **Solve for $$x$$:** Divide both sides by 15. $$\frac{15x}{\cancel{15}} = \frac{-45}{\cancel{15}}$$ $$x = -3$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$x = -3$$