1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $x - 1 = 5$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To isolate $x$, add 1 to both sides of the equation. This uses the addition property of equality which states if you add the same number to both sides, the equality holds. 3. **Intermediate work:** $$x - 1 + 1 = 5 + 1$$ $$x = 6$$ 4. **Explanation:** We added 1 to both sides to cancel out the $-1$ on the left side, leaving $x$ alone. On the right side, $5 + 1$ equals 6. 5. **Final answer:** $x = 6$