What is the first step to be done when solving this equation: 3 (x-2+3) + 5 = 25

3x-6+9+5=25 is the first step

What is the first step to be done when solving this equation:

3 (x - 2 + 3) + 5 = 25

Ok, so the first step is to distribute the parentheses:

3 (x - 2 + 3) = 3x - 6 + 9 <<< answer

Next step:

plug it in the equation

3x - 6 + 9 + 5 = 25

Simplify,

3x + 8 = 25

Then,

subtract 8 from both sides

3x = 25 - 8

so, 3x = 17

Divide both sides by 3

x = 17/3