Let's solve the equation $-5x - 18 = 2$.

Step 1: Isolate the term with $x$.

Add 18 to both sides to eliminate the constant on the left side: $-5x - 18 + 18 = 2 + 18$ $-5x = 20$

Step 2: Solve for $x$.

Divide both sides by $-5$ to isolate $x$: $x = \frac{20}{-5}$ $x = -4$

Thus, the solution is $x = -4$.

Would you like further explanation or more details?

Here are 5 related questions:

1. How do you solve multi-step equations with parentheses?
2. What happens if you have variables on both sides of an equation?
3. How do you check if your solution to an equation is correct?
4. What are linear equations and how do they differ from quadratic equations?
5. What happens if the equation has no solution or infinite solutions?

Tip: Always double-check your solution by plugging it back into the original equation to see if both sides are equal.