Let's solve the equation $9x + 2 = 8x + 5$.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Subtract $8x$ from both sides to get all $x$-terms on one side: $9x - 8x + 2 = 8x - 8x + 5$ $x + 2 = 5$

2. Subtract 2 from both sides to isolate $x$: $x + 2 - 2 = 5 - 2$ $x = 3$

So, the solution is $x = 3$.

Would you like further details on the steps or any related explanations?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

1. What happens if you swap the sides of the equation?
2. Can you solve similar equations with fractions?
3. How would you graph $9x + 2 = 8x + 5$ on a coordinate plane?
4. What is the general process for solving linear equations?
5. How do you check if $x = 3$ is a correct solution?

Tip: Always double-check your solution by substituting the value of $x$ back into the original equation!