How do you solve 2(x + 5) > 8x – 8?

1 Answer
May 8, 2015

To solve for this problem, you can do it similar to any regular function, but this time with the inequality (>, which is greater than, or <, which is less than). First, begin by multiplying the factor out with 2:

2(x+5) > 8x-8 => 2x+10>8x-8

Then solve for x by method of subtracting the terms:

2x+10 > 8x-8 =>subtract 2x and -8 to both sides,

18 > 6x =>divide 6 to both sides,

3 > x, => x < 3

Thus, for the inequality of the equation to work, the variable x must be less than (and not equal to) 3, unless it is x<=3 (note the symbol <= vs. <).

Now there will be cases where you may have to switch the inequity. If you end up with the step

18 > -6x or any other negative number multiplied by x,

then you have to switch the > to <, since the result is a negative number:

18 > -6x=>divide the -6 on both sides and switch the inequity,

-3 < x => x > -3.

Hope some of the key points help out when doing inequalities!