Choice A is the correct answer. Isolate the absolute value first.

1. Divide by -2: $|x + 1| < 3$ (Reverse sign!)
2. Setup: $-3 < x + 1 < 3$
3. Subtract 1: $-4 < x < 2$

?�� Strategic Tip: Always isolate $|...|$ before splitting. Dividing by a negative flips $>$ to $<$.

Choice B is incorrect because it forgets to flip the inequality sign when dividing by -2. Choice C is incorrect because it solves incorrectly. Choice D is incorrect because it assumes absolute value can't be greater than a negative (but we divided by negative first).