Given: The equation is: \[ 2x + 3 = 7x - 8 \] Step 1: Rearrange the equation To solve for \( x \), consolidate \( x \)-terms on one side and constants on the other. Subtract \( 2x \) from both sides: \[ 3 = 5x - 8 \] Add 8 to both sides: \[ 11 = 5x \] Step 2: Solve for \( x \) Divide both sides by 5: \[ x = \frac{11}{5} = 2 \] Answer: The correct answer is option (2): \( x = 2 \).