Question: 2n - 9 + 2n + 1 = 17 - n
1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $$2n - 9 + 2n + 1 = 17 - n$$ for the variable $$n$$.
2. **Combine like terms on the left side:**
$$2n + 2n - 9 + 1 = 17 - n$$
$$4n - 8 = 17 - n$$
3. **Add $$n$$ to both sides to get all $$n$$ terms on one side:**
$$4n + n - 8 = 17 - \cancel{n} + \cancel{n}$$
$$5n - 8 = 17$$
4. **Add 8 to both sides to isolate the $$n$$ term:**
$$5n - 8 + 8 = 17 + 8$$
$$5n = 25$$
5. **Divide both sides by 5 to solve for $$n$$:**
$$\frac{5n}{\cancel{5}} = \frac{25}{\cancel{5}}$$
$$n = 5$$
**Final answer:** $$n = 5$$