1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $-5 + x + 16 = -3$ for $x$. 2. **Combine like terms on the left side:** $$-5 + 16 + x = -3$$ $$11 + x = -3$$ 3. **Isolate $x$ by subtracting 11 from both sides:** $$11 + x - \cancel{11} = -3 - \cancel{11}$$ $$x = -14$$ 4. **Final answer:** $$x = -14$$ This means the value of $x$ that satisfies the equation is $-14$.