1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $5x = 40$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rule:** To solve for $x$, divide both sides of the equation by the coefficient of $x$, which is 5. 3. **Divide both sides:** $$\cancel{5}x = \frac{40}{\cancel{5}}$$ 4. **Simplify:** $$x = 8$$ 5. **Answer:** The solution to the equation $5x = 40$ is $x = 8$. This means that when $x$ is 8, the equation holds true.