A Division Inside

In $\frac{x}{2}+3 = 8$, the unknown is divided by 2, and then 3 is added. Undo the operations in reverse order. Subtract 3 from both sides first. Then undo the division by multiplying both sides by 2:

$$\frac{x}{2} = 5$$

$$x = 10$$

Check: $\frac{10}{2}+3 = 8$, which is true.

There is another way. Multiply every term by 2 to get $x+6 = 16$, then subtract 6. Both methods give the same answer in two steps. Clearing the denominators first is useful when an equation has several fractions.