7x - 17 + 2x = 2 - 8x +15
first of all simplify what you have there. On the left 7x-17+2x can be written as 9x-17
the other side can be rewritten to 17-8x
now it reads 9x-17=17-8x
Now put the x's one one side, to do this add 8x to both sides
now reads 17x-17=17
then add 17 to both sides
now reads 17x= 34
then divide both sides by 17 so x=34/17 which is 2
Ans ----> x=2