5x + 7 = 3x -5
5x+7=3x-5
Since 3x contains the variable to solve for, move it to the left-hand side of the equation by subtracting 3x from both sides.
5x+7-3x=-5
Since 5x and -3x are like terms, add -3x to 5x to get 2x.
2x+7=-5
Since 7 does not contain the variable to solve for, move it to the right-hand side of the equation by subtracting 7 from both sides.
2x=-7-5
Subtract 5 from -7 to get -12.
2x=-12
Divide each term in the equation by 2.
(2x)/(2)=-(12)/(2)
Simplify the left-hand side of the equation by canceling the common terms.
x=-(12)/(2)
Simplify the right-hand side of the equation by simplifying each term.
x=-6