Solve $2x + 5 = 17$.

How we read your problem

A linear equation in x: isolate x using inverse operations.

Step-by-step solution

1. 1

   Start with the equation

   $$2~ x+5 = 17$$
2. 2

   Subtract 5 from both sides

   $$2x = 12$$
3. 3

   Divide both sides by 2

   $$x = \frac{12}{2} = 6$$

Formulas used

• Linear equation

  $$ax + b = c \;\Rightarrow\; x = \frac{c - b}{a}$$

Doing the same operation to both sides keeps the equation balanced. Undoing addition, then multiplication, leaves x alone.

Verification

• x = 6: left side = 17, right side = 17 ✓