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