-3(n - 4) -2n = 17
First, expand your problem. / Your problem should look like: -3n + 12 - 2n = 17
Second, simplify -3n + 12 - 2n to get -5n + 12. / Your problem should look like: -5n + 12 = 17
Third, subtract 12 from both sides. / Your problem should look like: -5n = 17 - 12
Fourth, simplify 17 - 12 to get 5. / Your problem should look like: -5n = 5
Fifth, divide both sides by -5. / Your problem should look like: n = [tex] \frac{5}{-5} [/tex]
Sixth, simplify [tex] \frac{5}{-5} [/tex] to [tex]- \frac{5}{5} [/tex] / Your problem should look like: n = [tex]- \frac{5}{5} [/tex]
Seventh, cancel 5 out. / Your problem should look like: n = -1
Answer: n = -1
