To solve the equation [tex]\(\frac{2}{3} x + \frac{1}{3} x + 2 = 5\)[/tex], the first step is to combine like terms. Here's a detailed, step-by-step solution:
1. Combine like terms:
- On the left side of the equation, we have two terms that both include [tex]\(x\)[/tex]: [tex]\(\frac{2}{3} x\)[/tex] and [tex]\(\frac{1}{3} x\)[/tex].
- Adding these together, we get [tex]\(\frac{2}{3} x + \frac{1}{3} x = \frac{3}{3} x = x\)[/tex].
This simplifies the equation to:
[tex]\[ x + 2 = 5. \][/tex]
Therefore, the first step in solving the equation [tex]\(\frac{2}{3} x + \frac{1}{3} x + 2 = 5\)[/tex] is to combine like terms.
