Let's solve the equation step by step.
-
Distribute to get:
\( 2(x - 3) + 21 = -3 \)
Distributing \(2\) to \(x\) and \(-3\):
\( 2x - 6 + 21 = -3 \) -
Combine like terms to get:
\( 2x + 15 = -3 \)
(We combined \(-6\) and \(21\) to get \(15\).) -
Use the addition property of equality to get:
\( 2x + 15 - 15 = -3 - 15 \)
This simplifies to:
\( 2x = -18 \) -
Use the division property of equality to get:
\( \frac{2x}{2} = \frac{-18}{2} \)
This simplifies to:
\( x = -9 \)
So the final answer is \( x = -9 \).