Question

How do you solve `–2(x – 3) ≥ 5 – (x + 3)`?

Answer 1

`4 ≥ x`

`x` is less than 4.

Explanation:

`-2(x - 3) ≥ 5 - (x + 3)`

First, distribute. `x` and `-3` will be multiplied by -2 because they're in parentheses, per PEMDAS. The `-` will be distributed to `x` and `3` because they're also in parentheses.

`-2x + 6 ≥ 5 -x -3`

Combine like terms.

`-2x + 6 ≥ 2 - x`

Now, negate the smallest variable. In this case, it's -2x, so add 2x to both sides to cancel it out.

`6 ≥ 2 + x`

Now, subtract 2 from both sides to isolate for x:

`4 ≥ x`

`x` is less than 4.