1. **State the problem:** Solve for $q$ in the equation $13q - 9q + 5 = 17$. 2. **Combine like terms:** The terms with $q$ are $13q$ and $-9q$. Combine them: $$13q - 9q = (13 - 9)q = 4q$$ So the equation becomes: $$4q + 5 = 17$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $q$:** Subtract 5 from both sides: $$4q + 5 - 5 = 17 - 5$$ $$4q = 12$$ 4. **Solve for $q$:** Divide both sides by 4: $$\frac{\cancel{4}q}{\cancel{4}} = \frac{12}{4}$$ $$q = 3$$ **Final answer:** $$q = 3$$