Choice A is the correct answer. Distribute and isolate the variable.

1. Distribute: $8 - 2x > 3x + 18$
2. Add 2x: $8 > 5x + 18$
3. Subtract 18: $-10 > 5x$
4. Divide by 5: $-2 > x$, which is equivalent to $x < -2$

?�� Strategic Tip: Keeping the variable positive (by adding $2x$) avoids dividing by a negative, but you must read the inequality correctly from the variable's perspective ($-2 > x$ means $x$ is less than $-2$).

Choice B is incorrect because it reverses the inequality direction. Choice C is incorrect because it uses positive 2 instead of negative 2. Choice D is incorrect because it combines wrong value and wrong direction.