Question

What is the value of n in the equation (n – 4) – 3 = 3 – (2n + 3)?

Answer 1

drop the parenthesis for n - 4 but distiribute -1 for 1(2n+3)
move all your numbers to one side and the variable n to the other side

Answer 2

wait no its 1/2 (n – 4) – 3 = 3 – (2n + 3)?

Answer 3

ok distribute the 1/2 to (n-4)

Answer 4

1/2n-2-3=6n+9

Answer 5

right side should be 3-2n-3

Answer 6

do you see why?

Answer 7

then what would the left be

Answer 8

your left side is correct

Answer 9

so that would be 1/2n-5=-2-6 right?

Answer 10

(1/2)n-5=-2n

Answer 11

that is your second step

Answer 12

i am soooo confused now

Answer 13

your right side
3-(2n+3)
3-2n-3
your 3s cancel out 3-3 is zero
you are left with -2n on the right side

Answer 14

then wouldn't the answer be 1/2

Answer 15

n=2

Answer 16

I think you understand the distribution process...you take the number outside of the parenthesis and multiply it by everything in the parenthesis.
1/2(n - 4) - 3 = 3 - (2n + 3)....keep in mind, if you just have a sign before the parenthesis, you can insert a 1.
so basically your problem is :
1/2(n - 4) - 3 = 3 - 1(2n + 3)
1/2n - 2 - 3 = 3 -2n - 3.....the 3's on the right side cancel
1/2n - 5 = -2n -- subtract 1/2n from both sides
-5 = -2n - 1/2n --- LCD on right side is 2
-5 = -4/2n - 1/2n
-5 = -5/2n -- divide both sides by -5/2
-5/(-5/2) = n
-5 * -2/5 = n
10/5 = n
2 = n

check..
1/2(2 - 4) - 3 = 3 - 1(2(2) + 3)
1/2(-2) - 3 = 3 - 1(4 + 3)
-1 - 3 = 3 - 1(7)
-4 = 3 - 7
-4 = -4 (correct)

so n = 2
any questions at all ?