1. The problem is to evaluate the expression $-5 + 8$. 2. The operation involved is addition of integers. 3. When adding a negative number and a positive number, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger absolute value and take the sign of the number with the larger absolute value. 4. Calculate the absolute values: $|-5| = 5$ and $|8| = 8$. 5. Since $8 > 5$, subtract $5$ from $8$: $$8 - 5 = 3$$. 6. The sign of the result is positive because $8$ is positive. 7. Therefore, $-5 + 8 = 3$. Final answer: $3$