Question

How do you solve `3x <5x + 8`?

Answer 1

`x> -4`

Explanation:

At first, solve this just like you would an equation.

Subtract `5x` from both sides.

`3x-5x < 5x+8-5x`

`-2x < 8`

Now, divide both sides by `-2`. Be careful! Recall that multiplying or dividing an inequality will switch the direction of the inequality sign as well.

So, here, the inequality sign will switch from `<` to `>` when we divide by `-2`, giving the final inequality:

`x > 8/(-2)`

`x > -4`