In this equation, is x positive, negative, or zero?

x + 5 = - 8

There was a better answer before me that was way better but I will tell you this any way it's negative

Now, to answer this question, we must get x on its own at either side. x + 5 is on the left hand side, so to get X in its own, we must get rid of the 5. To eliminate the 5 but keep the equation balanced, we can take 5 from both sides of the equation. So x+5-5 = - 8-5. This goes to X = - 13, because 5-5 is 0 and - 8-5 is - 13.

Therefore, x is negative.