1. The original expression to simplify is $48 - x + 26 - x + x + 5$. 2. Combine the constant terms: $48 + 26 + 5 = 79$. 3. Combine the variable terms: $-x - x + x = -x$. 4. So, the simplified expression is $79 - x$. In summary, $79$ comes from adding the constants $48$, $26$, and $5$ together.