Question

How do you solve `2x-5+x=17`?

Answer 1

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, add `color(red)(5)` to each side of the equation to isolate the `x` terms while keeping the equation balanced:

`2x - 5 + color(red)(5) + x = 17 + color(red)(5)`

`2x - 0 + x = 22`

`2x + x = 22`

Next, combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

`2x + x = 22`

`2x + 1x = 22`

`(2 + 1)x = 22`

`3x = 22`

Now, divide each side of the equation by `color(red)(3)` to solve for `x` while keeping the equation balanced:

`(3x)/color(red)(3) = 22/color(red)(3)`

`(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(3)))x)/cancel(color(red)(3)) = 22/3`

`x = 22/3`