9(p - 4) = -18
Simplify our equation by multiplying the parenthesis out.
(9 × p) + (9 × -4) = -18
Simplify.
9p + (-36) = -18
Get rid of parenthesis.
9p - 36 = -18
Now, since we're trying to isolate "p," we need to add 36 to both sides.
9p - 36 + 36 = -18 + 36
Simplify.
9p = 18
Divide both sides by 9.
9p ÷ 9 = 18 ÷ 9
Simplify.
p = 2
~Hope I helped! :)~