1. The problem is to solve for $x$ in the equation $2x + 3 = 7$. 2. We use the basic algebraic principle: to isolate $x$, perform inverse operations on both sides of the equation. 3. Subtract 3 from both sides: $$2x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 4$$ 4. Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{2x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{4}{\cancel{2}}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 2$$ 5. Therefore, the solution is $x = 2$.