Given segments JM and LM, if we visualize this, we have J--L--M forming a long segment of JM. To find the length of JL, we must find the difference between the length of JM and LM. Thus, JL = (JM - LM) = (5x - 8) - (2x - 6) = 5x - 8 - 2x + 6 (3x -2). Hence, answer is (3x - 2).