Step 1: Equation Rearrangement The initial equation is: \[ 5x - 7 = 3x + 9 \] To isolate \( x \), begin by subtracting \( 3x \) from both sides: \[ 2x - 7 = 9 \] Subsequently, add 7 to both sides: \[ 2x = 16 \] Step 2: Solution for \( x \) Finally, divide both sides by 2: \[ x = \frac{16}{2} = 8 \] Result: The correct solution is option (2): \( x = 8 \).