Enter the value of n so that the expression (-y + 5.3) + (7.2y - 9) is equivalent to 6.2y + n

(-y + 5.3) + (7.2y - 9) = 6.2y + n

Find the value of n.
(-y + 5.3) + (7.2y - 9) = 6.2y + n

Transfer 6.2y to the other side and change its sign.
(-y + 5.3) + (7.2y - 9) - 6.2y = n

Solve for the value of n.
-y + 5.3 + 7.2y - 9 - 6.2y = n

group like terms
-y + 7.2y - 6.2y + 5.3 - 9 = n
0 + (-3.7) = n
-3.7 = n

Substitute n with its value.
(-y + 5.3) + (7.2y - 9) = 6.2y + n
(-y + 5.3) + (7.2y - 9) = 6.2y + (-3.7)
-y + 5.3 + 7.2y - 9 = 6.2y - 3.7

Group like terms
-y + 7.2y + 5.3 - 9 = 6.2y - 3.7
6.2y - 3.7 = 6.2y - 3.7

Best answer that i found on yahoo ok   set :   x= length of 2nd piece in cm  x- 3= length of 1st piece in cm  x-4= length of 3rd piece in cm  then since you know they all came from the 20 cm ribbon you add them together and set them equal to 20x+ x-3 +x-4 = 20  3x - 7= 20  3x= 27  x= 9  the shortest piece is the third piece which is x- 4  x-4  9-4 = 5  the length of the smallest piece is 5 cm.  the other lengths are  9 cm  6 cm