Question: User: 7x - 10x + 18 + 2x = -5
1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$7x - 10x + 18 + 2x = -5$$ for $$x$$.
2. **Combine like terms:** Group the $$x$$ terms together.
$$7x - 10x + 2x + 18 = -5$$
Simplify the $$x$$ terms:
$$7x - 10x + 2x = (7 - 10 + 2)x = -1x = -x$$
So the equation becomes:
$$-x + 18 = -5$$
3. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract $$18$$ from both sides:
$$-x + 18 - 18 = -5 - 18$$
$$-x = -23$$
4. **Solve for $$x$$:** Multiply both sides by $$-1$$ to get rid of the negative sign:
$$\cancel{-1} \times -x = \cancel{-1} \times -23$$
$$x = 23$$
**Final answer:** $$x = 23$$