1. **State the problem:** Solve for $w$ in the equation $$-4(w+1) = -24$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply $-4$ by each term inside the parentheses: $$-4 \times w + (-4) \times 1 = -4w - 4$$ So the equation becomes: $$-4w - 4 = -24$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $w$:** Add 4 to both sides to move the constant term: $$-4w - 4 + 4 = -24 + 4$$ $$-4w = -20$$ 4. **Solve for $w$:** Divide both sides by $-4$: $$w = \frac{-20}{-4} = 5$$ **Final answer:** $$w = 5$$