Решаем линейное уравнение:

(x - 3) - 4 *(x + 1) = 5x - 38;

x - 3 - 4x - 4 = 5x - 38;

x - 4x - 5x = -38 + 3 + 4;

-8x = -31;

x = -31 : (-8);

x = 3.875.