Solve and graph the solution -2 ≤ a + 3 < 8?

The solution to the above equation is -5 ≤ a < 5. On a graph, this could be shown by highlighting the area between -5 and 5 and one axis. At -5, a solid line should be drawn to represent the idea that -5 could be considered a solution. At 5, a dotted line should be drawn to show 5 is not a solution, but any number up to 5 (including, for instance, 4.999) is.
The above conclusion has been reached as follows. The smallest 'a' could possibly be is -5, as -5 plus 3 is equal to minus two, which is the lower limit of the above equation. The largest 'a' could be is just below 5. This is because 5 plus 3 is equal to 8, the upper limit of the equation. But the upper limit itself can not be considered a solution; only numbers leading up to it can. Any number up to the number 5 could therefore possible be 'a'.

However the solve basic algebraic equations
Solving equations like the one detailed above is not as complicated as it seems. Firstly, you should take the lower limit, and make the central equation equal to it. You can then calculate the lower limit of the unknown. Then, follow the same procedure using the upper limit. In this way you can find out the upper and lower limits of the unknown entity. Finally, take note of whether the unknown value can be equal to its upper or lower limits by looking at the inequality signs.

• Unknowns in algebra

Unknowns, often depicted by letters or symbols, are the key to algebra. Although they can seem complex, all they are doing is representing an unknown quantity, which can often be calculated using algebraic methods. When attempting to work out an unknown value you should rearrange your equation to make it the subject of the equation, and sum the quantities on the other side of the equals sign to get your answer.