Question 12495
The idea here is to get the variable, x in this case, to one side of the = and the numbers on the other side using the rules of algebra.

{{{3x - 2 = x + 8}}}  Subtract x from both sides.

{{{3x - 2 - x = x + 8 - x}}}

{{{2x - 2 = 8}}} Now add 2 to both sides.

{{{2x - 2 + 2 = 8 + 2}}}

{{{2x = 10}}} Finally, divide both sides by 2 because you want x = ??? not 2x = ???

{{{2x/2 = 10/2}}}

{{{x = 5}}}

To check the solution, you substitute 5 in place of x (all of them) in the original equation and, if the rwo sides are equal, then the solutionis correct.  If not, then it's back to the drawing board.

Check:

{{{3x - 2 = x + 8}}}
{{{3(5) - 2 = 5 + 8}}}
{{{15 - 2 = 13}}}
{{{13 = 13}}} The solution is correct!