(18x + 36)/2 = -24
Do the opposite of PEMDAS. Note the equal sign. What you do to one side you do to the other. Isolate the x.
First multiply 2 to both sides
(18x + 36)/2(2) = -24(2)
18x + 36 = -24(2)
18x + 36 = -48
Isolate the x. Subtract 36 from both sides
18x + 36 (-36) = - 48 (-36)
18x = -48 - 36
18x = - 84
Isolate the x, divide 18 from both sides
18x/18 = -84/18
x = -84/18
x = -4.67 (rounded)
-4.67 rounded should be your answer
hope this helps