Answer:
x = 71
Explanation:
18(x + 1) = -54
to start off, subtract 18 from both sides
18 - 18(x + 1) = -54 - 18
that should give you
x + 1 = 72
(its safe to take out paranthesis from problem by now) now take away 1 from each side
x + (1 - 1) = 72 - 1
that should give you
x = 71