Solve 2x + 5 = 17 (Step by Step)

How to solve the two-step equation 2x + 5 = 17, with every step explained and a quick check of the answer.

This is a two-step equation. The x is being multiplied by 2 and then has 5 added. To get x alone, undo those in reverse order: take away the 5 first, then undo the multiply by 2.

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Step-by-step solution

Solve 2x + 5 = 17

Start with the equation: 2x + 5 = 17.
Subtract 5 from both sides to undo the + 5: 2x + 5 − 5 = 17 − 5, so 2x = 12.
Divide both sides by 2 to undo the × 2: 2x ÷ 2 = 12 ÷ 2, so x = 6.
Check your answer: put x = 6 back in. 2(6) + 5 = 12 + 5 = 17. Both sides match, so x = 6 is correct. ✓

Answer: x = 6

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Frequently asked questions

Why do you subtract 5 before dividing by 2?

You undo the operations in the reverse order they were done to x. The 2 multiplied x first and the 5 was added last, so the 5 comes off first. If you divide first, you have to divide every term: x + 2.5 = 8.5, which still gives x = 6 but with more work.

How do I check my answer?

Replace x with your answer in the original equation. 2(6) + 5 = 17, so both sides are equal and the answer is right.

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