1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$3(3x + 2) - 7(3x + 2) = -20$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply each term inside the parentheses by the factors outside. $$3(3x + 2) = 9x + 6$$ $$-7(3x + 2) = -21x - 14$$ 3. **Rewrite the equation:** $$9x + 6 - 21x - 14 = -20$$ 4. **Combine like terms:** $$9x - 21x + 6 - 14 = -20$$ $$-12x - 8 = -20$$ 5. **Isolate the variable term:** Add 8 to both sides. $$-12x - 8 + 8 = -20 + 8$$ $$-12x = -12$$ 6. **Divide both sides by -12:** $$x = \frac{-12}{-12}$$ 7. **Simplify the fraction:** $$x = \cancel{-12} \div \cancel{-12} = 1$$ **Final answer:** $$x = 1$$