Solve for x in the equation 3x + 5 = 17, providing step-by-step reasoning.

Step 1: Subtract 5 from both sides of the equation to isolate the term with x on one side.
3x + 5 - 5 = 17 - 5
3x = 12

Step 2: Divide both sides by 3 to solve for x.
(3x)/3 = 12/3
x = 4