1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $2x + 5 = 3(x - 2)$. 2. **Write the formula and rules:** We will use the distributive property and properties of equality to isolate $x$. Important rule: Whatever operation you do to one side, do to the other side. 3. **Apply the distributive property:** $$2x + 5 = 3x - 6$$ 4. **Bring all terms involving $x$ to one side and constants to the other:** $$2x + 5 - 3x = 3x - 6 - 3x$$ $$2x - 3x + 5 = -6$$ 5. **Simplify:** $$-x + 5 = -6$$ 6. **Isolate $x$ by subtracting 5 from both sides:** $$-x + 5 - 5 = -6 - 5$$ $$-x = -11$$ 7. **Divide both sides by $-1$ to solve for $x$:** $$x = \frac{-11}{-1}$$ $$x = 11$$ **Final answer:** $x = 11$