1. **State the problem:** Solve the linear equation $2x + 5 = 17$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve for $x$, isolate $x$ on one side of the equation by performing inverse operations. 3. **Step 1:** Subtract 5 from both sides to remove the constant term on the left: $$2x + 5 - 5 = 17 - 5$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 12$$ 4. **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{2x}{2} = \frac{12}{2}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 6$$ 5. **Final answer:** $x = 6$