What is the sum ryan is looking for if n=2?

let x and 400 - x be the two numbers.  

==> 0.80x + 0.85(400 - x) = 400 - 68 from the statement of the problem.  

< ==> 0.80x + 0.85(400 - x) = 400 - 68  

==> 340 - 0.05x = 332  

< ==> -0.05x = -8 ==> x = 160, the first number ==> 400 - x = 240, the second number.

x=-2

step-by-step explanation:

i began by flipping the problem to give me x= on the left (keeps it clearer for me).   so my problem simply became 10x-3=4x-6.  

1)   subtract 4x from the right side, which equals 0.   you do the same to the left of the equal as the right; therefore, subtract 4x from 10x, leaving 6x on the left.

              10x-3=4x-6   :   4x-4x on the right leaves only the -6        

2)             6x-3= 0-6 :    

                6x+3=   -6

3) divide