To solve the equation \( -3x - 9 = -21 \), we can follow the steps given:
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Starting with the equation: \[ -3x - 9 = -21 \]
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Add 9 to both sides: \[ -3x - 9 + 9 = -21 + 9 \] Simplifying this gives: \[ -3x = -12 \]
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Now, divide both sides by -3: \[ x = \frac{-12}{-3} \] Simplifying this gives: \[ x = 4 \]
Thus, the completed solution includes:
- The first blank should be filled with -12.
- The second blank should be filled with the final answer 4.
So, the complete solution can be summarized as:
- \( -3x - 9 = -21 \)
- \( -3x = -12 \) (after adding 9)
- \( x = 4 \) (after dividing by -3)