5x and -8x are like terms. 6 is not a variable. 5 is the coefficient of the term 5x. X is not the constant.
i send u a picture of how i solve it. i hope this can help u
Gave away 7 ⇒ -7
Bought 6 ⇒ + 6
Left with 13
If he did not buy the 6 cars ...
13 - 6 = 7
If he did not give the 7 cars away ...
7 + 7 = 14
He has 14 cars at first.
13 - 6
The boats would be 7.62 mi apart