–2(5n + 7) + 8n = 2(1 – 3n)

Solve using the distributive property. This means you can multiply the number outside the brackets with each number inside the brackets. Then isolate "n" by moving all other numbers to the right side, leaving "n" alone on the left.

–2(5n + 7) + 8n = 2(1 – 3n) Distribute

(5n)(-2) + (7)(-2) + 8n = (1)(2) – (3n)(2) Multiply with each number in brackets

–10n + (–14) + 8n = 2 – 6n Remove brackets around –14

–10n – 14 + 8n = 2 – 6n Adding a negative is subtracting it's positive

–14 –2n = 2 – 6n

–14 + 14 –2n = 2 + 14 – 6n Add 14 to both sides

–2n = 16 – 6n

–2n + 6n = 16 – 6n + 6n Add 6n to both sides

4n = 16

4n/4 = 16/4 Divide both sides by 4

n = 4 Solved for "n"

Check answer by substituting "4" whenever there is "n" in the original equation. Then solve each side.

–2(5n + 7) + 8n = 2(1 – 3n)

–2(5(4) + 7) + 8(4) = 2(1 – 3(4)) Solve inside brackets

–2(20 + 7) + 32 = 2(1 – 12) Distribute

(20)(–2) + (7)(–2) + 32 = (1)(2) – (12) (2) Multiply where necessary

–40 + (–14) + 32 = 2 – 24 Simplify

–22 = –22 Same answer

LS = RS Left side equals right side

The answer we found is correct.