1. **State the problem:** Solve for $p$ in the equation $$-9(2p + 1) = -15p$$. 2. **Distribute the $-9$ on the left side:** $$-9 \times 2p + (-9) \times 1 = -18p - 9$$ So the equation becomes: $$-18p - 9 = -15p$$ 3. **Bring all terms involving $p$ to one side:** Add $18p$ to both sides: $$-18p - 9 + 18p = -15p + 18p$$ Simplifies to: $$-9 = 3p$$ 4. **Isolate $p$ by dividing both sides by 3:** $$p = \frac{-9}{3}$$ 5. **Simplify the fraction:** $$p = -3$$ **Final answer:** $$p = -3$$