1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$-111 = 3(7x - 2)$$ for $x$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply 3 by each term inside the parentheses. $$-111 = 3 \times 7x - 3 \times 2$$ $$-111 = 21x - 6$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $x$:** Add 6 to both sides to move the constant term. $$-111 + 6 = 21x - 6 + 6$$ $$-105 = 21x$$ 4. **Divide both sides by 21 to solve for $x$:** $$x = \frac{-105}{21}$$ Show canceling common factors: $$x = \frac{\cancel{21} \times (-5)}{\cancel{21}}$$ 5. **Simplify the fraction:** $$x = -5$$ **Final answer:** $$x = -5$$