Solving 2x + 3 = 11

An equation states that two expressions have equal values. Think of the equals sign as a balanced scale. Whatever operation you apply to one side must also be applied to the other.

Solve 2x + 3 = 11. Subtract 3 from both sides: 2x = 8. Divide both sides by 2: x = 4.

Check your solution in the original equation: 2 × 4 + 3 = 11. Both sides match, so x = 4 is correct.

Try this: solve 3x + 2 = 14. Subtract 2, then divide by 3. You should obtain x = 4.