Question

if the first step in the solution of the equation 2x-8=5x+3 is "subtract 2x," then should the next step be?

Answer 1

Your trying to isolate the x and the number without x, so after taking 2x from the left side subtract it from 5x and then subtract the three from both sides as well. your answer is the next step is the 3

Answer 2

2x - 8 = 5x + 3
-2x        -2x
-8 = 3x + 3
-3          -3
-11 = 3x
/3      /3
-3.6666666667 = x

Knowing this, we can conclude that subtracting 3 is your answer.