The given limit expression is:

$\lim_{{x \to 3}} (x - 5)$

To solve this, we substitute $x = 3$ directly into the expression $x - 5$:

$3 - 5 = -2$

Thus, the solution to the limit is:

$\lim_{{x \to 3}} (x - 5) = -2$

Would you like further details or clarifications?

Here are five related questions to explore:

1. What is the definition of a limit in calculus?
2. How do we handle limits when the expression becomes undefined at the point of evaluation?
3. What are the properties of limits that can simplify calculations?
4. How does the concept of limits lead to the definition of derivatives?
5. What are one-sided limits, and how do they differ from two-sided limits?

Tip: Direct substitution is often the first step when solving limits. If it leads to a valid result, it is the solution. If not, other techniques like factoring or L'Hopital's Rule may be needed.