1. Let's start with a simple algebra problem: Solve for $x$ in the equation $2x + 3 = 7$. 2. The formula we use here is to isolate $x$ by performing inverse operations. Important rule: Whatever you do to one side of the equation, do the same to the other side to keep it balanced. 3. First, subtract 3 from both sides: $$2x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 4$$ 4. Next, divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{2x}{2} = \frac{4}{2}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 2$$ 5. So, the solution is $x = 2$. This means if you substitute 2 back into the original equation, both sides will be equal. 6. To check: $$2(2) + 3 = 4 + 3 = 7$$ which matches the right side of the equation, confirming our answer is correct.