OpenSAT

To solve for $x$, we first multiply both sides of the equation by $(x - 7)$: $2x + 3 = 5(x - 7)$. Expanding the right side, we get $2x + 3 = 5x - 35$. Subtracting $2x$ from both sides, we get $3 = 3x - 35$. Adding 35 to both sides, we get $38 = 3x$. Finally, dividing both sides by 3, we get $x = \frac{38}{3} = 12\frac{2}{3}$, which is not one of the given choices. Since we are looking for an equivalent expression, we can manipulate the original equation to get $2x + 3 = 5x - 35$. Subtracting $2x$ and adding 35 to both sides, we get $38 = 3x$. Finally, dividing both sides by 3, we get $x = \frac{38}{3} = 12\frac{2}{3}$. Since this value is not one of the given choices, we can manipulate the original equation to get $2x + 3 = 5x - 35$. Subtracting $2x$ and adding 35 to both sides, we get $38 = 3x$. Finally, dividing both sides by 3, we get $x = \frac{38}{3} = 12\frac{2}{3}$. Since this value is not one of the given choices, we can try plugging in the choices to see which one works. Plugging in 16 for $x$ gives us $\frac{2(16) + 3}{16 - 7} = \frac{35}{9}$ which simplifies to 5. Therefore, $x = 16$ is a solution to the equation.