1. **State the problem:** We are given the equation $-4(2n + 8) = -12$ and need to find the value of $n$. 2. **Write the equation:** $$-4(2n + 8) = -12$$ 3. **Divide both sides by $-4$ to isolate the expression inside the parentheses:** $$\cancel{-4}(2n + 8) = \cancel{-4} \times 3 \implies 2n + 8 = 3$$ 4. **Subtract 8 from both sides to isolate the term with $n$:** $$2n + 8 - 8 = 3 - 8 \implies 2n = -5$$ 5. **Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $n$:** $$\frac{2n}{2} = \frac{-5}{2} \implies n = -\frac{5}{2}$$ 6. **Convert to decimal:** $$n = -2.5$$ 7. **Compare with answer choices:** - a. $n = -5$ (incorrect) - b. $n = 1$ (incorrect) - c. $n = 5$ (incorrect) **Final answer:** $n = -2.5$ (none of the given choices are correct).