1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$-22.5 = 3(3x - 4.5)$$. 2. **Use the distributive property:** Multiply 3 by each term inside the parentheses: $$3(3x - 4.5) = 3 \times 3x - 3 \times 4.5 = 9x - 13.5$$. 3. **Rewrite the equation:** $$-22.5 = 9x - 13.5$$. 4. **Isolate the variable term:** Add 13.5 to both sides: $$-22.5 + 13.5 = 9x - 13.5 + 13.5$$ $$-9 = 9x$$. 5. **Solve for $x$:** Divide both sides by 9: $$x = \frac{-9}{9} = -1$$. **Final answer:** $$x = -1$$.