Can you distribute when a number is BEHIND the parentheses?

I have a math problem and it is: Z= g + ( x - 2 )w now i guess to make it easier to answer id change it to numbers so maybe FOR EXAMPLE 18 = 3 + (4 - 2)5 would i be able to distribute the 5? oh and for all the mathematicians out there, if u wanna solve the original problem be my guest :)