1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$-5.1 = 3x + 2.4$$ for $$x$$. 2. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 2.4 from both sides to get the term with $$x$$ alone. $$-5.1 - 2.4 = 3x + 2.4 - 2.4$$ 3. Simplify both sides: $$-7.5 = 3x$$ 4. **Solve for $$x$$:** Divide both sides by 3 to isolate $$x$$. $$x = \frac{-7.5}{3}$$ 5. Show the cancellation step: $$x = \frac{\cancel{3} \times (-2.5)}{\cancel{3}}$$ 6. Simplify the fraction: $$x = -2.5$$ **Final answer:** $$x = -2.5$$