How to find x value: 9-0.75(x+8)-5=-6.5

Here's how to find the value of x:

9 - 0.75 ( x + 8 ) - 5 = -6.5      find the difference of 9 - 0.75

8.25 ( x + 8 ) - 5 = -6.5           add 5 to both sides

8.25 ( x + 8 ) = -1.5                distribute 8.25 to x and 8

8.25x + 66 = -1.5                    subtract 66 from both sides

8.25x = -67.5                          divide both sides by 8.25

x = 18.18181818            the value of x is 18 2/11

hope this helps