Question

The steps below show the incomplete solution to find the value of x for the equation

5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 17:

Step 1: 5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 17
Step 2: 5x − 2x − 3 = 15
Step 3: 3x − 3 = 15

Which of these is most likely the next step?

Answer 1

Step 1 is the next step

Answer 2

combine like terms :

3x - 3 = 15
3x = 15 + 3
3x = 18
x = 18/3
x = 6