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:
Answer: c = -7
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
Fifth, subtract 3 from both sides. / Your problem should look like:
Sixth, simplify -4 - 3 to get -7. / Your problem should look like:
Answer: c = -7