1. The problem is to solve the equation for $x$: $2x + 3 = 11$. 2. The formula used here is to isolate $x$ by performing inverse operations. Important rules: whatever you do to one side of the equation, do the same to the other side to keep it balanced. 3. Start by subtracting 3 from both sides: $$2x + 3 - 3 = 11 - 3$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 8$$ 4. Next, divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{2x}{2} = \frac{8}{2}$$ which simplifies to $$x = 4$$ 5. So, the solution to the equation $2x + 3 = 11$ is $x = 4$. This means when $x$ is 4, the original equation holds true.