You have to distribute! 6(x) = 6x and 6(-6)=-36 So now you have 6x-36=-3(-x+3) Now do the same on the other side. -3(-x)=3x -3(3)=-9 So now, 6x-36=3x-9 Combine the like terms: Subtract 3x in both sides. 6x-3x=3x Now: 3x-36=-9 Add 36 in both sides. 3x=27 Divide by 3 on both sides to get x alone. 3x/3= x 27/3=9 X=9