Arectangular bow has volume 280 in^3. its dimensions are 4 in * (n+2) in * (n+5) in. find n. use formula v=lwh. , this is really stressing me out.

It's all right there in front of you.

-- The formula for volume is   

               Volume = (one dimension) x (another dimension) x (the last dimension)

--  The dimensions are    (4),  (n + 2),  and  (n + 5).

--  The volume is  280 .

Just multiply the 3 dimensions together, then say  "  = 280 ",
and solve the equation you have  for 'n' .

Hint:

     (4) x (n + 2) x (n + 5) = 

     (4) x (n² + 7n + 10) =

           4n² + 28n + 40  =  280

Take it from there.  Find 'n' .