5x+2 = -13

First you will want to subtract 2 from each side of the equation. 2-2 = 0 and
-13-2 = -15, so

5x = -15

Now you will want to divide both sides by 5 to get the x alone. 5x/5 = x and
-15/5 = -3 so

x = -3 ... 5(-3) = -15 ... -15 = -15

Another example:

4-2x = -2

First subtract 4 from each side. 4-4 = 0 and -2-4 = -6

-2x = -6

Now divide each side by -2. -2/-2 = 1 and -6/-2 = 3. Any variable on it's own can also be thought of with a one in front of it. x=1x or y=1y. If it makes it easier for you, you can put the one in front

1x = 3 or x = 3 ... -2(3) = -6 ... -6 = -6

One more:

10-x = 5

Subtract 10 from each side. 10-10 = 0 and 5-10 = -5.

-x = -5

Now, if you remember that x=1x, you can divide both sides by -1. -1x/-1 = x and
-5/-1 = 5, so

x = 5 ... 10-5 = 5 ... 5 = 5.

Just remember to start by getting the variable alone to one side, and remember the rules of positives and negatives. I hope this was what you meant, and I hope it helped...