What is the value of x

a negative exponent is translated as follows:

so, we have

combine all like terms then its just a 2 step equation

the given 6 = w/p is equivalent to 6p = w, where w is the total area of the walls and p is the area covered by a single can of paint.

knowing that 6 cans of paint will be needed, 6p = w becomes 6(6) = w = 36.   this tells us that the total area to be painted is 36 square units.