Remember that whatever you do to one side of the equation you must also do to the other. Also, the aim here is to isolate the x in order to find its value. It is also important to note the distributive property of numbers:
a(b + c) = ab + ac
5x + 2(2x - 23) = -154 | First, you need to distribute the 2
5x + 2(2x) - 2(23) = -154
5x + 4x - 46 = -154 | Then combine like terms
9x - 46 = -154 |Then, add 46 to both sides
9x - 46 + 46 = -154 + 46
9x = -108 | Now we will divide by 9 on both sides to isolate x
9x /9 = -108 /9
x = -12
Hope this helps! :)
