Write the equation. 3x + (−1) − 1 = x + (−3) − 5

One strategy is to flip all of the subtraction terms into the addition area and then simplify.

3x + (−1) + (−1) = x + (−3) + (−5)
3x + (−2) = x + (−8)

x = −3

Rewrite the equation with the known value of x substituted in for x.