First, subtract #color(red)(5)# from each side of the inequality to isolate the absolute value term while keeping the inequality balanced:
#5 - abs(x + 4) - color(red)(5) <= -3 - color(red)(5)#
#5 - color(red)(5) - abs(x + 4) <= -8#
#0 - abs(x + 4) <= -8#
#-abs(x + 4) <= -8#
Next, multiply each side of the inequality by #color(blue)(-1)# to remove the negative sign from the absolute value term while keeping the inequality balanced. However, because we are multiplying or dividing by a negative term we must also reverse the inequality term:
#color(blue)(-1) xx -abs(x + 4) color(red)(>=) color(blue)(-1) xx -8#
#abs(x + 4) color(red)(>=) 8#
The absolute value function takes any negative or positive term and transforms it to its positive form. Therefore, we must solve the term within the absolute value function for both its negative and positive equivalent.
#-8 >= x + 4 >= 8#
Now, subtract #color(red)(4)# from each segment of the system of inequalities to solve for #x# while keeping the system balanced:
#-8 - color(red)(4) >= x + 4 - color(red)(4) >= 8 - color(red)(4)#
#-12 >= x + 0 >= 4#
#-12 >= x >= 4#
