First, we expand out the bracket.

5 − (x + 2) = 5x

5 − x − 2 = 5x

3 − x = 5x

Now we recognise that it is easier to get all the x's on the right side, by adding x to both sides :

3 = 6x

Now I divide both sides by 6 and swap the sides:

x = 0.5.

CHECK:

We check our answer in both sides of the equation. If it works, it must be the right answer.

LHS = 5 − (0.5 + 2) = 2.5

RHS = 5 × 0.5 = 2.5 = LHS.

Checks OK.