5x+2=x-7

To solve the equation 5x + 2 = x - 7, follow these steps: 1. **Isolate the variable.** Subtract x from both sides: $$ \[5x - x + 2 = -7\]$$ $$\[4x + 2 = -7\]$$ 2. **Isolate x completely.** Subtract 2 from both sides: $$ \[4x = -9\]$$ 3. **Solve for x.** Divide both sides by 4: $$ \[x = -\frac{9}{4}\]$$ So, the solution to the equation is $$\(x = -\frac{9}{4}\)$$ or -2.25.