1. **State the problem:** Solve the inequality $$\frac{x}{4} - 1 < 9$$ for $$x$$. 2. **Add 1 to both sides:** $$\frac{x}{4} - 1 + 1 < 9 + 1$$ $$\frac{x}{4} < 10$$ 3. **Multiply both sides by 4 to isolate $$x$$:** $$4 \times \frac{x}{4} < 4 \times 10$$ $$\cancel{4} \times \frac{x}{\cancel{4}} < 40$$ $$x < 40$$ 4. **Final answer:** $$x < 40$$ This means any value of $$x$$ less than 40 satisfies the inequality.