To solve for \( x \) in the equation \( 5x + 2 = 3x - 20 \), follow these steps:
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Subtract \( 3x \) from both sides:
\[ 5x - 3x + 2 = -20 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ 2x + 2 = -20 \]
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Next, subtract \( 2 \) from both sides:
\[ 2x = -20 - 2 \]
This simplifies to:
\[ 2x = -22 \]
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Finally, divide both sides by \( 2 \):
\[ x = \frac{-22}{2} \]
This gives:
\[ x = -11 \]
So the solution is \( x = -11 \).