1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$x - 5 = -3$$ for $x$. 2. **Recall the goal:** We want to isolate $x$ on one side of the equation to find its value. 3. **Use the addition property of equality (POE):** To eliminate the $-5$ on the left side, add $5$ to both sides of the equation. 4. **Write the step:** $$x - 5 + 5 = -3 + 5$$ 5. **Simplify both sides:** $$x + \cancel{-5} + \cancel{5} = 2$$ 6. **Result:** $$x = 2$$ 7. **Answer the multiple-choice question:** The correct next step is "Add 5 on both sides to get $x = 2$". **Final solution:** $x = 2$