Let's solve the equation step-by-step.
The given equation is:
[tex]\[ x - 17 = -5 \][/tex]
We want to isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex] on one side of the equation. To do this, we need to eliminate the [tex]\(-17\)[/tex] that's subtracted from [tex]\( x \)[/tex].
Step 1: Add 17 to both sides of the equation to balance it out.
[tex]\[ x - 17 + 17 = -5 + 17 \][/tex]
Step 2: Simplify both sides.
On the left side, [tex]\(-17 + 17\)[/tex] cancels out, leaving us with [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ x = -5 + 17 \][/tex]
Step 3: Solve the right side.
[tex]\[ -5 + 17 = 12 \][/tex]
Now we have:
[tex]\[ x = 12 \][/tex]
So, the solution to the equation [tex]\( x - 17 = -5 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( x = 12 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{12} \][/tex]
So the correct option is [tex]\( D. \, x = 12 \)[/tex].
