So first you would simplify 3/4(5x-3) to 3(5x-3)/4 So it would be 3(5x-3)/4+8=17 2. Subtract 8 from both sides 3(5x-3)/4=17-8 3. Then simplify 17-8 to 9 3(5x-3)/4=9 4. Multiply both sides by 4 3(5x-3)=9x4 5. Simplify 9x4 to 36 3(5x-3)=36 6. Divide both sides by 3 5x-3=36/3 Simplify 36/3 to 12 5x-3=12 8. Add 3 to both sides 5x=12+3 9. Simplify 12+3 to 15 5x=15 10. Divide both sides by 5 X=15/5 Simplify 15/5 to 3 X=3 So your answer is x=3