Combine the "like terms" on the left-hand side of the equation: ________________________________________________ +2x + 3x = + 5x ; _____________________________________ And rewrite: _____________________________________ 5x - 1 = 180 ; _____________________________________ Add "1" to each side of the equation: _____________________________________ 5x - 1 + 1 = 180 + 1 ; _____________________________________ 5x = 181 ; _____________________________________ Divide EACH SIDE of the equation by "5" ; _____________________________________ 5x / 5 = 181 / 5 ; _____________________________________ to get: _____________________________________ x = 36.2 . _____________________________________