-5x - 42> -2 - (x + 4)
first distribute the negative to every term in the parethesis
-5x - 42 > -2 -x -4
Simplify
-5x - 42 > -6 - x
move all x to one side and numbers to the other
-5x (+x) - 42 (+42) > -6 (+42) - x (+x)
simplify
-5x + x > -6 + 42
simplify
-4x > 36
isolate the x
-4x/-4 > 36/-4
Note: Since you are dividing by a negative number, flip the sign (ONLY applies when you are DIVIDING a NEGATIVE number)
x < 9
answer: x<9
hope this helps