1. Distribute the -8 to 5n and -2 by multiplying.
2. Your problem should now look like this: -40n+ 16 -(n+3)= 54
3. Next distribute the negative to (n+3).
4. After doing that the problem should look like this: -40n + 16 -n -3= 54
5. Combine like terms to get the problem to look like this: -41n + 13=54
6. Subtract 13 from both sides.
7. Now you are left with -41n=41
8. Divide by -41 to both sides.
9. Your answer should be n=-1