To solve this problem:

Use the distributive property:  -3(x + 5) = -9 >>> -3x – 15 = -9

Then solve for x by adding 15 to both sides:  -3x – 15 + 15 = -9 + 15  >>> 

-3x = 6

Then divide both sides by -3:  -3x/-3 = 6/-3 >>> x = -2

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