To solve the equation [tex]\( x + 17 = 11 \)[/tex], you want to isolate the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. Here are the steps:
1. Subtract 17 from both sides of the equation: This step helps to isolate the variable [tex]\( x \)[/tex]. When you subtract the same number from both sides of an equation, the equality remains true.
Starting with:
[tex]\[
x + 17 = 11
\][/tex]
Subtract 17 from both sides:
[tex]\[
x + 17 - 17 = 11 - 17
\][/tex]
2. Simplify both sides:
[tex]\[
x = -6
\][/tex]
So, the best explanation for arriving at the solution is to subtract 17 from both sides of the equation. This method isolates [tex]\( x \)[/tex] and finds that [tex]\( x = -6 \)[/tex].
