1. Stating the problem: Solve the equation $2x + 3 = 7$. 2. Use the formula for solving linear equations: isolate $x$ by performing inverse operations. 3. Subtract 3 from both sides: $$2x + 3 - \cancel{3} = 7 - \cancel{3}$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 4$$ 4. Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{2x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{4}{\cancel{2}}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 2$$ 5. Final answer: $x = 2$.