To solve for this, we need to use the Distributive Property. The Distributive Property allows any number/variable outside of the parenthesis to be multiplied by all numbers/variables inside of the parenthesis.
For example, 3(2 + 3) would be: 3(2) + 3(3) 6 + 9 15.
Now that we've defined our terms and provided an example, I think we're ready to solve.
-5(3n + 4) = 40 -5(3n) + -5(4) (multiplying a positive by a negative makes a negative) -15n -20 = 40 Add 20 to both sides to get -15n by itself. -20 + 20 = 0 40 + 20 = 60
We now have: -15n = 60
Divide both sides by -15 to solve for n. -15n / -15 = n 60 / -15 = -4
