Let's solve this equation step by step:

Distribute the 5 on the left side and the 2.5 on the right side:

5x - 20.5 = 2.5x + 2

Move all the x terms to one side and the constant terms to the other side:

5x - 2.5x = 20.5 + 2
2.5x = 22.5

Solve for x by dividing by 2.5:

x = 22.5 / 2.5
x = 9

So, the solution to the equation is x = 9.