How to solve 5x+8=3x-3

Let me explain.

First we have to add our 8 to our - 3. Anything that crosses the = sign changes signs:

5x + 8 = 3x - 3-8

Which gives us:

5x = 3x - 11

Now, we carry over 3x which gives us:

2x=-11

The last step is to divide.

2x/2=-11/2

Since we don't have any common terms, the fraction stays as it is.

=-11/2