Final answer:
The value of x is -1. None of the options are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The linear equation (3x - 5) represents the distance Jared hikes, and the linear equation (x - 7) represents the distance Mark hikes. If the distances for Jared and Mark are congruent, it means that the distances are equal. Therefore, we can set the two equations equal to each other and solve for x:
(3x - 5) = (x - 7)
Simplifying the equation, we get:
3x - 5 = x - 7
Subtracting x from both sides:
2x - 5 = -7
Adding 5 to both sides:
2x = -2
Dividing both sides by 2:
x = -1
Therefore, the value of x is -1. The correct option is not mentioned.