Let's solve the equation step-by-step to find the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Given:
[tex]\[ 18 - 7x = -20.5 \][/tex]
1. Isolate the term involving [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
To move the constant term (18) to the other side, we subtract 18 from both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[ 18 - 7x - 18 = -20.5 - 18 \][/tex]
Simplifying the equation gives:
[tex]\[ -7x = -38.5 \][/tex]
2. Solve for [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
Now, to isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex], we need to divide both sides of the equation by -7:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{-38.5}{-7} \][/tex]
Simplifying this fraction yields:
[tex]\[ x = 5.5 \][/tex]
Therefore, the value of [tex]\( x \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ x = 5.5 = 5 \frac{1}{2} \][/tex]
Thus, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{5 \frac{1}{2}} \][/tex]
