MaryJo decided to solve the equation 3x - 2 = - x - 6

3x-2=-x-6

do the inverse and add 2 to the whole number on the other side which is - 6

3x=-x-4

do the inverse with the variable - x and add x to 3x

4x=-4

divide - 4/4 since the inverse of multiplication is division

x=-1

3x - 2 = - x - 6

3x + x = - 6 + 2

4x = - 4

x = - 1