1. **State the problem:** Solve the inequality $$9 + x < 8$$ for $$x$$. 2. **Write the inequality:** $$9 + x < 8$$ 3. **Isolate $$x$$ by subtracting 9 from both sides:** $$9 + x - 9 < 8 - 9$$ 4. **Simplify both sides:** $$\cancel{9} + x - \cancel{9} < -1$$ $$x < -1$$ 5. **Interpretation:** The solution to the inequality is all values of $$x$$ less than $$-1$$. **Final answer:** $$x < -1$$