1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $50 - (2x + 24) = 5x + (-9)$ for $x$. 2. **Rewrite the equation:** Remove parentheses by distributing the minus sign: $$50 - 2x - 24 = 5x - 9$$ 3. **Simplify constants on the left side:** $$50 - 24 = 26$$ So the equation becomes: $$26 - 2x = 5x - 9$$ 4. **Bring all $x$ terms to one side and constants to the other:** Add $2x$ to both sides: $$26 - \cancel{2x} + 2x = 5x + 2x - 9$$ $$26 = 7x - 9$$ Add $9$ to both sides: $$26 + 9 = 7x - 9 + 9$$ $$35 = 7x$$ 5. **Solve for $x$ by dividing both sides by 7:** $$x = \frac{35}{7}$$ Show cancellation: $$x = \frac{\cancel{35}}{\cancel{7}} = 5$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{5}$$