Final answer:
The expression |5x-8| could be either 5x-8 or -5x+8, depending on the value of x, so the correct answer is Both.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with the expression |5x-8|, it means we are looking at the absolute value of 5x-8. The absolute value of a number or expression is the distance of that number from zero on the number line, without considering which direction from zero the number lies. This means that |5x-8| will be equal to 5x-8 if 5x-8 is already positive, or it will be equal to -5x+8 if 5x-8 is negative to make it positive.
Therefore, the correct answer to whether |5x-8| would become 5x+8 or still be 5x-8 is: D. Both, depending on the value of x.