To solve the equation \(2 (x + 9) = 16\) for \(x\), follow these steps:
-
Distribute the 2: \[ 2x + 18 = 16 \]
-
Subtract 18 from both sides: \[ 2x = 16 - 18 \] \[ 2x = -2 \]
-
Divide both sides by 2: \[ x = \frac{-2}{2} \] \[ x = -1 \]
Thus, the solution is \(x = -1\).