While David was solving the equation $100x+300=500$, he wondered if he could first change the equation to $x+3=5$. What do you think?  

1. Solve both equations and verify that they have the same solution.

   Hint (a):

   Solve both equations for $x$.
   $x+3=5$                      $100x+300=500$
   $x=2$                              $100x=200$
                                             $x=2$ 

   Answer (a):

   They have the same solution.

2. What could you do to the equation $100x+300=500$ to change it into $x+3=5$?

   Hint (b):

   Is there a common factor in the first equation?