Question

Solve the equation, if possible. -3|6n - 2| + 5 = 8

Answer 1

You said -3 |6n - 2| + 5 = 8

Subtract 5 from each side: -3 |6n - 2| = 3

Divide each side by -3: |6n - 2| = -1

An absolute value is always positive, so |6n - 2| can't be -1.
No value for 'n' can make the equation a true statement.
The equation has no solution.

Answer 2

-3|6n - 2| + 5 = 8
-3 |6n-2| = 8 - 5
-3 | 6n - 2| = 3
|6n - 2| = 3/-3
|6n - 2| = -1

6n - 2 = -1 -(6n - 2) = -1
6n = -1 + 2 -6n + 2 = -1
6n = 1 -6n = -1-2
n = 1/6 -6n = -3
n = 1/2

so n = 1/6 and n = 1/2