To solve the equation \( 5(x - 9) = 2x + 15 \), follow these steps:
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Distribute the 5 on the left side: \[ 5x - 45 = 2x + 15 \]
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Next, isolate the variable \( x \). Start by subtracting \( 2x \) from both sides: \[ 5x - 2x - 45 = 15 \] which simplifies to: \[ 3x - 45 = 15 \]
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Add 45 to both sides to get rid of the constant on the left: \[ 3x = 15 + 45 \] \[ 3x = 60 \]
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Finally, divide both sides by 3 to solve for \( x \): \[ x = \frac{60}{3} \] \[ x = 20 \]
So, the solution to the equation is \( x = 20 \).