1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $3x + 1 = -44$ for $x$. 2. **Write the formula and rules:** To solve for $x$, isolate $x$ by performing inverse operations. Subtract 1 from both sides, then divide both sides by 3. 3. **Subtract 1 from both sides:** $$3x + 1 - 1 = -44 - 1$$ $$3x = -45$$ 4. **Divide both sides by 3:** $$\frac{\cancel{3}x}{\cancel{3}} = \frac{-45}{3}$$ $$x = -15$$ 5. **Answer:** The solution is $x = -15$. This matches the option "x = -15".