1. Let's create an extra algebra question for practice before you log in. 2. Problem: Solve for $x$ in the equation $$2x + 5 = 17$$. 3. Formula used: To solve linear equations, isolate $x$ by performing inverse operations. 4. Step 1: Subtract 5 from both sides: $$2x + 5 - 5 = 17 - 5$$ $$2x = 12$$ 5. Step 2: Divide both sides by 2: $$\frac{2x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{12}{\cancel{2}}$$ $$x = 6$$ 6. Explanation: We first removed the constant term by subtracting 5, then divided by the coefficient of $x$ to isolate it. 7. Final answer: $$x = 6$$