5 + 4(n + 9) = -3
distributing,
5 + 4n + 4*9 = -3
5 + 4n + 36 = -3
combining similar terms
4n + 41 = -3
41 is adding on the left, then it will subtract on the right
4n = -3 - 41
4n = -44
4 is multiplying on the left, then it will divide on the right
n = -44/4
n = -11