1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$-9(x + 3) = -18$$ for $$x$$. 2. **Rewrite the equation:** The equation is $$-9(x + 3) = -18$$. 3. **Divide both sides by $$-9$$ to isolate the term $$(x + 3)$$:** $$\cancel{-9}(x + 3) = \cancel{-9} \times 2$$ which simplifies to $$x + 3 = 2$$ 4. **Subtract 3 from both sides to solve for $$x$$:** $$x + 3 - 3 = 2 - 3$$ which simplifies to $$x = -1$$ **Final answer:** $$x = -1$$