If 2x + 3 = 11, x = ?

**The reasoning** This is a **simple linear equation**. To find x, we need to isolate it on one side: 2x + 3 = 11 First, subtract 3 from both sides: 2x = 11 − 3 2x = 8 Then divide both sides by 2: x = 8 ÷ 2 **x = 4** Let's verify: 2(4) + 3 = 8 + 3 = 11 ✓ **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Option A (2)**: You might have divided 11 by 3, ignoring the +3 entirely - **Option B (3)**: You subtracted 2x from 11, confusing the operations - **Option D (5)**: You might have done 11 − 3 = 8, then mistakenly thought 8 − 3 = 5, or subtracted instead of dividing These traps catch students who rush or forget to **undo operations in reverse order** (BODMAS backwards!) **Quick takeaway** When solving equations, think "What's being done to x?" then do the opposite: addition becomes subtraction, multiplication becomes division — always work backwards to free x!