1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$2(x+3) = 5 - (1 - x)$$ for $x$. 2. **Apply the distributive property:** Multiply 2 by each term inside the parentheses on the left side. $$2 \times x + 2 \times 3 = 2x + 6$$ So the equation becomes: $$2x + 6 = 5 - (1 - x)$$ 3. **Simplify the right side:** Remove the parentheses by distributing the minus sign. $$5 - 1 + x = 4 + x$$ So the equation is now: $$2x + 6 = 4 + x$$ 4. **Isolate the variable terms:** Subtract $x$ from both sides. $$2x + 6 - \cancel{x} = 4 + \cancel{x} - x$$ $$2x - x + 6 = 4$$ $$x + 6 = 4$$ 5. **Isolate $x$:** Subtract 6 from both sides. $$x + 6 - \cancel{6} = 4 - \cancel{6}$$ $$x = -2$$ **Final answer:** $$x = -2$$