1) To solve the equation 3x - 1 = -8, first add 1 to both sides to isolate the x term.
3x - 1 + 1 = -8 + 1
3x = -7
Next, divide both sides by 3 to solve for x.
x = -7/3

2) To solve the equation 3x = -1, divide both sides by 3.
3x/3 = -1/3
x = -1/3

3) To solve the equation -1x = 5, divide both sides by -1.
(-1x)/-1 = 5/-1
x = -5