Solve the equation 2 + (5 - 8) = 2 + x.

Step-by-step solution

1. 1

   Simplify inside the bracket first. Order of operations puts the bracket ahead of the outer addition:

   $5-8=-3$

2. 2

   Finish the left-hand side. Adding a negative is the same as subtracting:

   $2+(-3)=2-3=-1$

   so the equation is now $-1=2+x$.

3. 3

   Subtract $2$ from both sides.

   $-1-2=x\quad\Longrightarrow\quad -3=x$

4. 4

   Write the answer with the variable first and check. $x=-3$, and substituting gives $2+(-3)=-1$ on the right, matching the left $\checkmark$. A quicker route: both sides start with $+2$, so cancelling it immediately leaves $5-8=x$, i.e. $x=-3$ in one line.