The expression $x^5 - x^5$ simplifies directly to zero because any number or variable raised to the same power and subtracted from itself results in zero:

$x^5 - x^5 = 0$

This is true for any value of $x$.

Would you like more details on this, or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to expand on this:

1. What happens when different powers of $x$ are subtracted, like $x^5 - x^4$?
2. How does $x^5 - x^5$ relate to the concept of zero in polynomials?
3. What is the result of adding terms like $x^5 + x^5$?
4. How does simplification change if the coefficients differ, like $2x^5 - x^5$?
5. How would an expression like $x^5 - y^5$ simplify if $x \neq y$?

Tip: When simplifying expressions, always look for terms that cancel out by subtraction or addition.