Answer: To solve for x, you can first simplify the right side of the equation by distributing the negative 4x:
-178 = -5x + (-16x - 52)
Next, combine like terms on the right side:
-178 = -21x - 52
Then add 52 to both sides:
-126 = -21x
Finally, divide both sides by -21 to solve for x:
x = 6
Explanation: