how do you solve this multi-step equation

Question

-40-(2x+5)=-61

Answer 1

Hi Charma;

OOPS!  I MADE A MISTAKE.  THANK YOU NATALIYA!

-40-(2x+5)=-61

Let's eliminate the parentheses...

-40-2x-5=-61

Let's combine like terms...

-45-2x=-61

Let's add 45 to both sides...

45-45-2x=-61+45

-2x=-16

Let's divide both sides by -2...

(-2x)/-2=-16/-2=8

Answer 2

- 40 - (2x + 5) = - 61

- 40 - 2x - 5 = - 61

- 2x - 45 = - 61

- 2x = - 61 + 45

- 2x = - 16

x = -16 / (- 2)

x = 8