1. **State the problem:** Solve the linear equation $2x + 5 = 8$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve for $x$, isolate the variable by performing inverse operations. Subtract or add terms on both sides to simplify. 3. **Step 1:** Subtract 5 from both sides: $$2x + 5 - 5 = 8 - 5$$ which simplifies to $$2x = 3$$ 4. **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 2 to isolate $x$: $$x = \frac{3}{2}$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$x = 1.5$$ This means the value of $x$ that satisfies the equation is 1.5.