Dana, you solve inequalities the same way as regular equations, with one exception.
-3x - 8 < 7. Adding 8 to both sides, we get -3x < 15
Here is where the difference comes in. When we divide by a negative number, -3 in this case, the sign reverses. This means we have x > -5.
Let's check. Let's pick a number greater than -5, like 0.
-3(0) - 8 < 7
- 8 < 7. True.
Had we left the sign the same, then we'd find a number less than -5, like -6.
-3(-6) - 8 < 7
18 - 8 < 7
10 < 7. Soooooo not true.
Hope this helps!
