1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $5 - 6x = 17 - 8x$ for $x$. 2. **Write down the equation:** $$5 - 6x = 17 - 8x$$ 3. **Add $8x$ to both sides to get all $x$ terms on one side:** $$5 - 6x + 8x = 17 - 8x + 8x$$ $$5 + 2x = 17$$ 4. **Subtract 5 from both sides to isolate the $x$ term:** $$5 + 2x - 5 = 17 - 5$$ $$2x = 12$$ 5. **Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$:** $$x = \frac{12}{2} = 6$$ **Final answer:** $$x = 6$$