1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $15x + 5 = -1$ for $x$. 2. **Write down the equation:** $$15x + 5 = -1$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $x$:** Subtract 5 from both sides: $$15x = -1 - 5$$ $$15x = -6$$ 4. **Solve for $x$:** Divide both sides by 15: $$x = \frac{-6}{15}$$ 5. **Simplify the fraction:** $$x = \frac{-2}{5}$$ **Final answer:** $$x = -\frac{2}{5}$$