Solve for x: 2 (8x - 1) + 7 (x + 5) = - 59

distribute: 16x - 2 + 7x + 35 = - 59

combine like-terms: 23x + 33 = - 59

subtract 33 from both sides: 23x = - 92

divide by 26 on both sides: x = - 4

2 (8x - 1) + 7 (x + 5) = - 59 Distribute/multiply 2 into (8x - 1), and multiply 7 into (x + 5)

16x - 2 + 7x + 35 = - 59 Combine like terms

23x + 33 = - 59 Subtract 33 on both sides

23x = - 92 Divide 23 on both sides

x = - 4

[proof]

2 (8x - 1) + 7 (x + 5) = - 59

2 (8 (-4) - 1) + 7 (-4 + 5) = - 59

2 (-32 - 1) + 7 (1) = - 59

2 (-33) + 7 = - 59

-66 + 7 = - 59

-59 = - 59