The sum of twice a number and 5 is at most 3 less than the number

2x + 5 ≤ x - 3

We can treat this like a usual algebraic equation.

Subtract x from both sides.

x + 5 ≤ - 3

Subtract 5 from both sides.

x ≤ - 8

Thus, x is less than or equal to the quantity - 8.

We can test this by plugging in two values into the original inequality: a number greater than - 8, and a number less than - 8.

2x + 5 ≤ x - 3

We'll use 2 first.

2 * 2 + 5 ≤ 2 - 3

9 ≤ - 1 * this is incorrect

Now we'll use - 10

2x + 5 ≤ x - 3

2 * - 10 + 5 ≤ - 10 - 3

-15 ≤ - 13 √ this is correct