\(-5-x=2x-(4x+6)\)
Using the distributive property is the correct first step. \((4x+6)\) is being multiplied by -1, so distributing gives
\(-5-x=2x+(-4x-6)\)
\(-5-x=2x+((-4x)+(-6))\)
Now, using the associative property of addition, you get
\(-5-x=(2x+(-4x))+(-6)\)
\(-5-x=(2x-4x)-6\)
Simplify the right hand side:
\(-5-x=-2x-6\)
Add 5 and \(2x\) to both sides.
\((2x+5)-5-x=(2x+5)-2x-6\)
On the left side, use the associative property. On the right, commutativity and associativity:
\(2x+(5-5)-x=5+(2x-2x)-6\)
Simplify.
\(2x-x=-1\)
\(x=-1\)
