The best first step in solving the equation is to simplify each side and combine like terms.
The best first step in solving the equation 32 - 5 = 72 + 11 is to simplify each side of the equation. Start by combining like terms. On the left side, 32 - 5 simplifies to 27. On the right side, 72 + 11 simplifies to 83. So the equation becomes 27 = 83.
Since 27 is not equal to 83, we can conclude that there is no solution to this equation. Therefore, the equation is inconsistent and has no solution.