1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $2x + 3 = 11$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve a linear equation, isolate the variable on one side by performing inverse operations. 3. **Step 1:** Subtract 3 from both sides: $$2x + 3 - 3 = 11 - 3$$ $$2x = 8$$ 4. **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{\cancel{2}x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{8}{2}$$ $$x = 4$$ 5. **Answer:** The solution is $x = 4$. This means when $x$ is 4, the original equation holds true.