4x-3=5x-17

     4x - 3 = 5x - 17

Here, you have an equation composed of two equations ( 4x - 3  and  5x - 17 ) that are set equal to each other. Your goal is to solve for the unknown variable, x, by isolating the x variable to one side of the equation. To do so, move all terms containing x to one side of the equation and move all other terms to the other side, then combine like terms:

         4x - 3 = 5x - 17

      - 4x          - 4x

   ______________________

    4x - 4x - 3 = 5x - 4x - 17

          0x - 3 = 1x - 17         ==>        -3 = x - 17

                                                  + 17       + 17

                                              _____________________

                                                 -3 + 17 = x - 17 + 17

                                                        14 = x + 0          ==>     x = 14