Question

Solve for n: -16 + 3n = -(8 +5n)

Answer 1

-16 + 3n = -(8 + 5n) -16 + 3n = -8 - 5n 3n + 5n = -8 + 16 8n = 8 N = 8/8 N = 1

Answer 2

-16 + 3n = -(8 + 5n)

The - sign outside the parentheses acts as a -1, and so it is distributed to each term in the parentheses.

-16 + 3n = -8 - 5n

+16

3n = 8 - 5n

+5n

8n = 8

/8

n = 1