So, what we're doing here is solving for x. We must isolate x to find it's value.
Here's how:
17 = 12(x + 2) + 2x
First, we'll distribute the 12
17 = 12x + 122 + 2x
17 = 12x + 24 + 2x
Combine like terms
17 = 14x + 24
Then, we'll subtract 24 from both sides.
17 - 24 = 14x + 24 - 24
-7 = 14x
Then, to isolate x, we'll divide both sides by 14
-7/14 = x
x = -1/2
