1. **State the problem:** Solve the inequality $2 - 3a < -8$ for $a$. 2. **Isolate the term with $a$:** Subtract 2 from both sides: $$2 - 3a - 2 < -8 - 2$$ which simplifies to $$-3a < -10$$ 3. **Divide both sides by $-3$ to solve for $a$:** Remember, dividing by a negative number reverses the inequality sign. $$\frac{-3a}{\cancel{-3}} > \frac{-10}{\cancel{-3}}$$ which simplifies to $$a > \frac{10}{3}$$ 4. **Interpretation:** The solution is all values of $a$ greater than $\frac{10}{3}$. **Final answer:** $$a > \frac{10}{3}$$