5x + 7 = 3x - 5
First, subtract 3x from both sides.
\(5x = 7 - 3x = -5\)
Second, keep the 7 and subtract the 5x - 3x to get 2x.
\(2x + 7 = -5\)
Third, subtract the 7 from both sides.
\(2x = -5 - 7\)
Fourth, simplify -5 - 7.
\(2x = -12\)
Fifth, take the 2 and divide it on both sides, leaving just x in its place.
\(x = -\frac{12}{2}\)
Sixth, since 6 goes into 2 to get 12, simplify the fraction to 6.
\(x = -6\)
Answer: x = -6
