1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $3x - (5 - 3x) = 8$ for $x$. 2. **Apply the distributive property:** Remove the parentheses by distributing the minus sign: $$3x - 5 + 3x = 8$$ 3. **Combine like terms:** Add the $3x$ terms together: $$3x + 3x - 5 = 8$$ $$6x - 5 = 8$$ 4. **Isolate the variable term:** Add 5 to both sides: $$6x - 5 + 5 = 8 + 5$$ $$6x = 13$$ 5. **Solve for $x$ by dividing both sides by 6:** $$x = \frac{13}{6}$$ 6. **Show cancellation step explicitly:** $$x = \frac{\cancel{13}}{\cancel{6}}$$ (no common factors to cancel, so fraction remains $\frac{13}{6}$) 7. **Final answer:** $$x = \frac{13}{6}$$