Chapter 3 - Equations and Problem Solving - 3.3 - More on Solving Equations and Problem Solving - Problem Set 3.3 - Page 114: 7

$n=-11$

Using the properties of equality and combining like terms, the value of the variable that satisfies the given equation, $ 5n-2-8n=31 ,$ is \begin{array}{l}\require{cancel} 5n-8n=31+2 \\\\ -3n=33 \\\\ n=\dfrac{33}{-3} \\\\ n=-11 .\end{array}