Question: User: 3 x minus 7 y equals 17
1. **State the problem:** Solve the linear equation $$3x - 7y = 17$$ for one variable or express the relationship between $$x$$ and $$y$$.
2. **Formula and rules:** This is a linear equation in two variables. We can solve for $$x$$ in terms of $$y$$ or vice versa by isolating one variable.
3. **Isolate $$x$$:**
$$3x - 7y = 17$$
Add $$7y$$ to both sides:
$$3x = 17 + 7y$$
4. **Divide both sides by 3:**
$$x = \frac{17 + 7y}{3}$$
Show cancellation:
$$x = \frac{\cancel{3} \times \frac{17 + 7y}{\cancel{3}}}{} = \frac{17 + 7y}{3}$$
5. **Interpretation:** The equation expresses $$x$$ as a function of $$y$$. For any value of $$y$$, $$x$$ can be found using this formula.
**Final answer:**
$$x = \frac{17 + 7y}{3}$$