1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $x - 8 = 20$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rule:** To isolate $x$, add 8 to both sides of the equation. This uses the addition property of equality which states that adding the same number to both sides keeps the equation balanced. 3. **Intermediate work:** $$x - 8 + 8 = 20 + 8$$ $$x + \cancel{-8} + \cancel{8} = 28$$ 4. **Simplify:** $$x = 28$$ 5. **Answer:** The solution to the equation is $x = 28$. This means if you substitute $x$ with 28 in the original equation, both sides will be equal.