What is the first step to be done when solving this equation:
3(x - 2 + 3) + 5 = 25
Ok, so the first step is to distribute the parentheses:
3(x - 2 + 3) = 3x - 6 + 9 <<< answer
Next step:
plug it in the equation
3x - 6 + 9 + 5 = 25
Simplify,
3x + 8 = 25
Then,
subtract 8 from both sides
3x = 25 - 8
so, 3x = 17
Divide both sides by 3
x = 17/3