What should be done to solve the equation?

x minus 17 = 11
Add 17 to both sides.
Add 17 to the left side and subtract 11 from the right side.
Add 17 to the left side and subtract 17 from the right side.
Add 11 to both sides.

1 answer

To solve the equation \( x - 17 = 11 \), you should add 17 to both sides. This will isolate \( x \) on the left side. Here’s how it works step by step:

  1. Starting with the equation:
    \( x - 17 = 11 \)

  2. Add 17 to both sides:
    \( x - 17 + 17 = 11 + 17 \)

  3. This simplifies to:
    \( x = 28 \)

So, the correct action to take is to add 17 to both sides.