Algebra practice question

Answer: B. 3

Split into 2x − 3 = 7 (x = 5) and 2x − 3 = −7 (x = −2). The sum is 5 + (−2) = 3. Choice C (5) is only the positive-case solution — an absolute value equation usually has two roots.

Why the other answers are wrong

A. 2

2 is the size of the negative root (x = −2) with its sign dropped; the question asks for the sum 5 + (−2) = 3.

C. 5

5 solves only the case 2x − 3 = 7. An absolute value equation has a second case, 2x − 3 = −7, giving x = −2, and the sum is 3.

D. 7

7 is 5 + 2 — you added the two roots but treated −2 as positive. Keep the negative sign: 5 + (−2) = 3.

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