Step by step: Step 1: Simplify both sides of the equation. 3 ( x − 1 ) = 5 x + 3 − 2 x ( 3 ) ( x ) + ( 3 ) ( − 1 ) = 5 x + 3 + − 2 x (Distribute) 3 x + − 3 = 5 x + 3 + − 2 x 3 x − 3 = ( 5 x + − 2 x ) + ( 3 ) (Combine Like Terms) 3 x − 3 = 3 x + 3 3 x − 3 = 3 x + 3 Step 2: Subtract 3x from both sides. 3 x − 3 − 3 x = 3 x + 3 − 3 x − 3 = 3 Step 3: Add 3 to both sides. − 3 + 3 = 3 + 3 0 = 6