1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $2x + 3 = 7$ for $x$. 2. **Use the formula:** To solve a linear equation of the form $ax + b = c$, isolate $x$ by subtracting $b$ from both sides and then dividing both sides by $a$. 3. **Subtract 3 from both sides:** $$2x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3$$ $$2x = 4$$ 4. **Divide both sides by 2:** $$\frac{\cancel{2}x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{4}{2}$$ $$x = 2$$ 5. **Interpretation:** The solution $x=2$ means that when $x$ is 2, the original equation holds true. **Final answer:** $x = 2$