Given:
The equation is:
\[
2x + 3 = 7x - 8
\]
Step 1: Rearranging the equation
To solve for \( x \), we first move all the \( x \)-terms to one side and constant terms to the other side. Subtract \( 2x \) from both sides:
\[
3 = 5x - 8
\]
Now, add 8 to both sides:
\[
11 = 5x
\]
Step 2: Solve for \( x \)
Now, divide both sides by 5:
\[
x = \frac{11}{5} = 2
\]
Answer: The correct answer is option (2): \( x = 2 \).