1. **State the problem:** Solve a linear equation in one variable, for example, $3x + 5 = 11$. 2. **Formula and rules:** A linear equation in one variable has the form $ax + b = c$, where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are constants and $x$ is the variable. 3. **Step 1: Isolate the variable term.** Subtract $b$ from both sides: $$3x + 5 = 11 \implies 3x + \cancel{5} - \cancel{5} = 11 - 5$$ $$3x = 6$$ 4. **Step 2: Solve for $x$.** Divide both sides by $a$: $$\frac{3x}{\cancel{3}} = \frac{6}{\cancel{3}}$$ $$x = 2$$ 5. **Answer:** The solution to the equation $3x + 5 = 11$ is $x = 2$. This method applies to any linear equation in one variable by isolating $x$ step-by-step.