1) Transform the inequality into equation by replacing "<" or ">" with "=": -2x - 4 > 8 -2x - 4 = 8 2) Simply solve for x: -2x - 4 = 8 -2x = 8 + 4 -2x = 12 x = -6 3) Now do the following exactly the same: first, look into the symbol that you have replaced (">" or "<"). Put the same symbol into your answer "x = -6": x > -6 4) Now, look which symbol was in front of "x" in the original inequality (-2x - 4 = 8). If it is "+" (for example, 4x, 0.01x) leave "x > -6". If it is "-" (for example, -3x, -0.04x) change ">" into "<" or change "<" into ">" (put the opposite symbol). 5) You have -2x in the original inequality - then, in "x > -6" change the symbol into "<". So, your answer will be x < -6 or the option 1. Hope this helps!