1. **State the problem:** Make $x$ the subject of the formula given by $$9y = 8 - x$$ 2. **Rewrite the equation:** We want to isolate $x$ on one side. Start by moving terms to isolate $x$: $$9y = 8 - x$$ 3. **Add $x$ to both sides and subtract $9y$ from both sides:** $$9y + x = 8$$ 4. **Subtract $9y$ from both sides to isolate $x$:** $$x = 8 - 9y$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{x = 8 - 9y}$$ This means $x$ is expressed in terms of $y$ as $8 - 9y$.