Combine like terms by subtracting the coefficients:
\[
17x - 9x = (17 - 9)x = 8x
\]
Step 2: Simplify the expression \(8 + 3(2y)\)
First, multiply \(3\) by \(2y\):
\[
3(2y) = 6y
\]
Then, add \(8\) to the result:
\[
8 + 6y
\]
Step 3: Solve the equation \(5(2x + 1) = 20\)
First, divide both sides of the equation by \(5\):
\[
2x + 1 = \frac{20}{5} = 4
\]
Next, subtract \(1\) from both sides:
\[
2x = 4 - 1 = 3
\]
Finally, divide both sides by \(2\):
\[
x = \frac{3}{2}
\]