3 + 5(c + 3) = -17 First, subtract 3 from both sides. / Your problem should look like: Second, simplify -17 - 3 to get -20. / Your problem should look like: Third, divide both sides by 5. / Your problem should look like: Fourth, simplify to 4. / Your problem should look like: Fifth, subtract 3 from both sides. / Your problem should look like: Sixth, simplify -4 - 3 to get -7. / Your problem should look like: