1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $60x = -36$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rule:** To solve for $x$, divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of $x$, which is 60. 3. **Divide both sides:** $$x = \frac{-36}{60}$$ 4. **Simplify the fraction:** Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 36 and 60, which is 12. 5. **Cancel common factors:** $$x = \frac{\cancel{12} \times -3}{\cancel{12} \times 5} = \frac{-3}{5}$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$x = -\frac{3}{5}$$ This means $x$ equals negative three-fifths.