Solve: 5(x − 2) = 15.

**The reasoning** This is a **linear equation** problem. Let's solve step by step: 5(x − 2) = 15 First, divide both sides by 5 to isolate the bracket: (x − 2) = 15/5 x − 2 = 3 Now add 2 to both sides: x = 3 + 2 x = **5** You can verify: 5(5 − 2) = 5(3) = 15 ✓ **Why the wrong options tempt you** **Option A (3):** This is what you get if you stop too early — it's the value of (x − 2), not x itself. Don't confuse the intermediate step with your final answer! **Option C (7):** You might get this if you mistakenly *add* 2 to 15 before dividing: (15 + 2)/5. Wrong order of operations. **Option D (1):** Possibly from errors like subtracting instead of adding in the final step, or other calculation mix-ups. **Quick takeaway** Always complete every step: expand or simplify brackets first, isolate your variable, then solve — and never mistake an intermediate value for your final answer.