Answer
$\left( -\dfrac{9}{2},\dfrac{1}{2} \right)$
Work Step by Step
$\bf{\text{Solution Outline:}}$
To solve the given inequality, $
|-2x-4| \lt 5
,$ use the definition of absolute value inequalities. Use the properties of inequalities to isolate the variable.
For the interval notation, use a parenthesis for the symbols $\lt$ or $\gt.$ Use a bracket for the symbols $\le$ or $\ge.$
For graphing inequalities, use a hollowed dot for the symbols $\lt$ or $\gt.$ Use a solid dot for the symbols $\le$ or $\ge.$
$\bf{\text{Solution Details:}}$
Since for any $c\gt0$, $|x|\lt c$ implies $-c\lt x\lt c$ (or $|x|\le c$ implies $-c\le x\le c$), the inequality above is equivalent to
\begin{array}{l}\require{cancel}
-5 \lt -2x-4 \lt 5
.\end{array}
Using the properties of inequality, the inequality above is equivalent to
\begin{array}{l}\require{cancel}
-5+4 \lt -2x-4+4 \lt 5+4
\\\\
-1 \lt -2x \lt 9
.\end{array}
Dividing by a negative number (and consequently reversing the sign), the inequality above is equivalent to
\begin{array}{l}\require{cancel}
\dfrac{-1}{-2} \gt \dfrac{-2x}{-2} \gt \dfrac{9}{-2}
\\\\
\dfrac{1}{2} \gt x \gt -\dfrac{9}{2}
\\\\
-\dfrac{9}{2} \lt x \lt \dfrac{1}{2}
.\end{array}
In interval notation, the solution set is $
\left( -\dfrac{9}{2},\dfrac{1}{2} \right)
.$
The colored graph is the graph of the solution set.