JAMB Mathematics 2022 Paper

Concept:Translate the word problem into a linear inequality, then solve for $x$.Explanation:Let the certain number be $x$.Three times the number is $3x$.Three times the number minus 2 is $3x - 2$.The number minus 6 is $x - 6$.The phrase "is less than" gives the inequality symbol $<$.So the inequality is:$$3x - 2 < x - 6$$Subtract $x$ from both sides to collect like terms:$$3x - x - 2 < -6$$$$2x - 2 < -6$$Add 2 to both sides:$$2x < -6 + 2$$$$2x < -4$$Divide both sides by 2:$$x < -2$$Thus, the possible values of $x$ are all numbers less than $-2$.Answer:$x < -2$, so the correct option is A.