Of the following options, what could be a possible first step in solving the equation −7x − 5 = x + 3? adding 7x to both sides of the equation subtracting 5 from both sides of the equation adding x to both sides of the equation combining like terms, −7x + x = − 6x

Adding 7x to both sides makes the most sense.  It would cancel out with the -7x, leaving you with -5 = 8x + 3.

Subtracting 5 from both sides wouldn't cancel anything out, adding x to both sides wouldn't cancel anything out, and you can't combine like terms on either side of the equation.