|x + 1| + 5 < 7
this could mean
x + 1 + 5 < 7
x + 6 < 7
x < 7 - 6
x < 1
OR
-(x + 1) + 5 < 7
-x - 1 + 5 < 7
-x + 4 < 7
-x < 7 - 4
-x < 3
x > -3
(note the inequality sign is flipped when you divide by a negative number)
so x < 1 AND x > -3
can also be shown as:
-3 < x < 1