1. First step: To get a term of x by itself, add 5 to both sides
Second step: This will become 3x<24
Third step: To separate 3x, divide everything by 3: 3x÷3 < 24÷3
Step four: x < 8
2. First subtract both sides by 12: - 2x + 12 - 12 < - 4 - 12
Second: This becomes - 2x < -16
Third: Divide by -2 to get x by itself - 2x ÷ - 2 > -16 ÷ - 2 Note: If you divide by a negative number, the inequality sign switches. This is a really important step that most students forget.
Fourth: x>8
Note: Try plugging in values when you are done if you are uncertain you have the right answer.
