1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $-16 + 3n = -8 - 5n$ for $n$. 2. **Write down the equation:** $$-16 + 3n = -8 - 5n$$ 3. **Add $5n$ to both sides to get all $n$ terms on one side:** $$-16 + 3n + 5n = -8 - 5n + 5n$$ $$-16 + \cancel{3n + 5n} = -8 + \cancel{0}$$ $$-16 + 8n = -8$$ 4. **Add 16 to both sides to isolate the $n$ term:** $$-16 + 8n + 16 = -8 + 16$$ $$\cancel{-16 + 16} + 8n = 8$$ $$8n = 8$$ 5. **Divide both sides by 8 to solve for $n$:** $$\frac{8n}{\cancel{8}} = \frac{8}{8}$$ $$n = 1$$ **Final answer:** $$n = 1$$