The steps below show the incomplete solution to find the value of x for the equation 5x − 2x − 3 = −2 + 17:

Question

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? (4 points)

3x = 5

3x = 12

3x = 18

3x = 45

Answer 1

3x = 18