Solve: 2x + 3 = 11

**The reasoning** This is a **linear equation** — we need to isolate x on one side. Starting with: 2x + 3 = 11 **Step 1:** Subtract 3 from both sides to remove it from the left 2x + 3 − 3 = 11 − 3 2x = 8 **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 2 to get x alone 2x ÷ 2 = 8 ÷ 2 **x = 4** Verify: 2(4) + 3 = 8 + 3 = 11 ✓ **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **x = 3**: You might get this if you subtract 3 from 11 first (getting 8), then forget to divide by 2. - **x = 5**: This happens if you subtract 3 from 11 (getting 8), then mistakenly think 2x means "x + 2", so 8 − 3 = 5. - **x = 7**: You get this if you only subtract 3 but ignore the coefficient 2 entirely, or mix up operations. **Quick takeaway** Whatever you do to one side of an equation, do to the other — always work systematically to isolate the variable, dealing with addition/subtraction first, then multiplication/division.