1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $2x + 3 = 7$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve for $x$, isolate $x$ by performing inverse operations. Subtract 3 from both sides, then divide both sides by 2. 3. **Step-by-step solution:** Subtract 3 from both sides: $$2x + 3 - 3 = 7 - 3$$ $$2x = 4$$ Divide both sides by 2: $$\frac{2x}{2} = \frac{4}{2}$$ $$x = 2$$ 4. **Answer:** The solution to the equation is $x = 2$. This means when $x$ is 2, the equation $2x + 3 = 7$ holds true.