1. **State the problem:** Find the value of $x$ given the equation $5x = 8$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve for $x$, we use the rule of dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient of $x$. Here, the coefficient is 5. 3. **Solve the equation:** $$5x = 8$$ Divide both sides by 5: $$\cancel{5}x = \frac{8}{\cancel{5}}$$ This simplifies to: $$x = \frac{8}{5}$$ 4. **Final answer:** $$x = 1.6$$