Twice a number minus 4 is less than three times the number. (define a variable, write an inequality, and solve for the problem)

X will represent unknown

2x-4<3x

treat the < sign as a = sign

2x-4=3x

subtract 2x form both sides

-4=x

put the < sign back

-4
-4 is less than than x or

x is greater than - 4

A variable is a letter representing a number (ex. 2a+8h=26 ... a=5 & h=2)

"Solving'' an inequality means finding all of its solutions. A "solution'' of an inequality is a number which when substituted for the variable makes the inequality a true statement.

Here is an example: Consider the inequality

When we substitute 8 for x, the inequality becomes 8-2 > 5. Thus, x=8 is a solution of the inequality

2n-4 < 3n

+4

2n+4-4<3n+4

2n<3n+4

-3n

2n-3n<4

-n<4

/-1

n>-4