Answer:
a is greater than -2
Explanation:
Solving a comparison like this is the same as solving an equation, except you need to watch out for the signs of numbers.
Given:
-2a - 12 < -8
The first thing we need to do here is to add 12 to both sides:
-2a - 12 + 12 < -8 + 12
-2a < 4
You'll notice we're just increasing both sides, so the relationship stays the same.
Now we divide both sides by -2. Because the number is negative, it changes whether the result is greater or less.
-2a < 4
-2a ÷ -2 > 4 ÷ -2
a > -2
Giving us our final answer.