1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $30 = (2x + 9) + 5$. 2. **Simplify the right side:** Combine like terms inside the parentheses and constants. $$30 = 2x + 9 + 5$$ $$30 = 2x + 14$$ 3. **Isolate the variable term:** Subtract 14 from both sides. $$30 - 14 = 2x + 14 - 14$$ $$16 = 2x$$ 4. **Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$:** $$\frac{16}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{2x}{\cancel{2}}$$ $$8 = x$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$x = 8$$