Question

Solve for x: 4 − (x + 2) < −3(x + 4) I'll give you a medal! :) Could you explain what I need to do so I know how to do it though?

Answer 1

do you know how to distribute through the parenthesis ?

Answer 2

Um, I think so, I just don't know how to get the x to one side. Or if that's what I need to do.

Answer 3

4 - (x + 2) < -3 (x + 4) -- distribute through the parenthesis
4 - x - 2 < -3x - 12 --- simplify
2 - x < -3x - 12
so this is as far as you have gotten ??

Answer 4

Yes

Answer 5

ok....
2 - x < -3x - 12.....we want all the x terms on one side and everything else on the other side....and what you do to one side of the equal sign, you have to do to the other side.
So we will first add 3x to both sides...I will do this step by step
2 - x + 3x < -3x + 3x - 12 -- notice how the 3x's on the right side cancel.
leaving us with : 2 + 2x < -12
still with me ?

Answer 6

Yes OK Thank You!!!!!!!

Answer 7

not finished...
2 + 2x < -12.....now we subtract 2 from each side
2 - 2 + 2x < -12 - 2.....and the 2's on the left side cancel...leaving us with :
2x < -14
but we want x by itself....so we now divide both sides by 2
(2/2)x < -14/2
1x (or just x) < -7
understand ? Or have I confused the crap out of you ?

Answer 8

here is a little short cut......when moving anything across the equal sign...it changes the sign. So instead of adding 3x and subtracting 2 from both sides...just move them across the equal sign and change their sign

Answer 9

Cool!!! I understand it! Thank you so much this has really helped. Thank You Again!

Answer 10

anytime :) It is important to learn this...simply because you are gonna get a ton more of this stuff to learn in the future