Solve for X in the Equation: 2 + x - 5 = 4 - 3

Simplifying makes the equation much easier to solve! Instead of juggling multiple numbers, you get a clean equation like $-3 + x = 1$ where the next step is obvious.

Take it one side at a time! Left side: $2 - 5 = -3$, so you have $-3 + x$. Right side: $4 - 3 = 1$. Now solve $-3 + x = 1$.

You can, but it's more work! You'd have $x = 4 - 3 - 2 + 5$, which is harder to calculate than our method. Simplifying first is usually faster.

That's okay! Even if you get decimals or fractions, the same process works. Always simplify first, then solve - it's the most reliable approach.

Combine like terms only! Constants (numbers) go together, and terms with the same variable go together. In this problem, 2 and -5 are both constants, so they combine.