Solve for x: -7x = 9 + 5.

Step-by-step solution

1. 1

   Simplify the side without the variable first. The right-hand side is pure arithmetic:

   $9+5=14\qquad\Longrightarrow\qquad -7x=14$

   Collapsing it now means only one operation remains.

2. 2

   Identify the operation to undo. The variable is multiplied by $-7$, so the inverse operation is division by $-7$ — applied to both sides to keep the equation balanced.

3. 3

   Divide both sides by -7.

   $x=\frac{14}{-7}$

4. 4

   Handle the sign correctly. A positive divided by a negative is negative, and $14\div7=2$, so

   $x=-2$

   Dropping the minus sign and answering $2$ is the only real trap in this problem.

5. 5

   Verify by substitution. Replacing $x$ with $-2$ in the original equation: $-7(-2)=14$, and the right side is $9+5=14$ ✓. Both sides agree, so $x=-2$ is correct.