To solve the equation \( 13x = -9 \), the first step would be to isolate \( x \). This can be done by dividing both sides of the equation by 13. However, that option is not provided in your response choices.
Given the options you provided, none directly align with the correct initial step of dividing by 13. Therefore, if we are to follow the logical steps to isolate \( x \), we would ideally divide each side by 13.
If you are specifically choosing from the options provided and need to select indeed from one of them, none would be appropriate since they involve operations that do not directly help solve the equation \( 13x = -9 \).
If I had to interpret under the given context to match one of the choices, dividing by 1/3 could not be correct either since it is also not logically viable. If looking for the mathematically correct option among flawed alternatives, then select action closest to isolation.
However, please note, the best practical first step is dividing both sides by 13.