# Math Help - stuck on an inequality problem

1. ## stuck on an inequality problem

I am able to solve regular inequalities but not this type

2x+1 < 5x-8

2. ## Re: stuck on an inequality problem

What have you tried?
Put all the constant numbers to one side and also all the variables to one side. Can you do that?

3. ## Re: stuck on an inequality problem

so 7x+7=0?

or

2x+1-5×-8=0

I tried both and still get stuck

4. ## Re: stuck on an inequality problem

I am able to solve regular inequalities but not this type

2x+1 < 5x-8
Step #1

$1<3x-8$.

Carry on!

5. ## Re: stuck on an inequality problem

Approach inequalities like a regular equation. The only thing you Must keep in mind is to flip the sign whenever you divide by a negative number.

Here's an example:

$-1-5x < -3x + 7$
$-2x < 8$
divide both sides by -2, therefore sign flips.
$x > -4$

Hope it helped.

6. ## Re: stuck on an inequality problem

so 7x+7=0?

or

2x+1-5×-8=0

I tried both and still get stuck
Because you have not taken the correct steps.

$2x+1<5x-8$

Add 8 to both sides, the left is still less than the right
since 3<7, therefore 3+8<7+8 for example.

$2x+1+8<5x+8-8$

$2x+9<5x$

$5x>2x+9$

Now subtract 2x from both sides.
This gets you to what is probably quite familiar to you.