1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $x - 5 = 8 - 11$ for $x$. 2. **Simplify the right side:** Calculate $8 - 11$. $$8 - 11 = -3$$ 3. **Rewrite the equation:** $$x - 5 = -3$$ 4. **Isolate $x$:** Add 5 to both sides to cancel the $-5$ on the left. $$x - 5 + 5 = -3 + 5$$ $$x + \cancel{-5} + \cancel{5} = 2$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$x = 2$$