Question: Solve $2x + 5 = 17$ step by step. Explain why each step is performed. Show the equation changing on screen and provide a narrated explanation.
1. **State the problem:** We need to solve the equation $$2x + 5 = 17$$ for the variable $x$.
2. **Isolate the term with $x$:** To solve for $x$, we first want to get rid of the constant term on the left side. Since $5$ is added to $2x$, we subtract $5$ from both sides to keep the equation balanced.
$$2x + 5 - 5 = 17 - 5$$
This simplifies to:
$$2x = 12$$
3. **Divide to solve for $x$:** Now, $2x$ means $2$ times $x$. To find $x$ alone, we divide both sides by $2$.
$$\frac{\cancel{2}x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{12}{2}$$
Simplifying gives:
$$x = 6$$
4. **Check the solution:** Substitute $x = 6$ back into the original equation to verify.
$$2(6) + 5 = 12 + 5 = 17$$
Since both sides equal $17$, our solution is correct.
**Final answer:** $$x = 6$$