Question: Solve for $w$.
$3(3w - 8) = 21$
Simplify your answer as much as possible.
$w =$
1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$3(3w - 8) = 21$$ for $w$.
2. **Apply the distributive property:** Multiply $3$ by each term inside the parentheses:
$$3 \times 3w - 3 \times 8 = 21$$
which simplifies to
$$9w - 24 = 21$$
3. **Isolate the term with $w$:** Add $24$ to both sides to move the constant term:
$$9w - 24 + 24 = 21 + 24$$
which simplifies to
$$9w = 45$$
4. **Solve for $w$ by dividing both sides by $9$:**
$$\frac{\cancel{9}w}{\cancel{9}} = \frac{45}{9}$$
which simplifies to
$$w = 5$$
5. **Final answer:**
$$\boxed{5}$$