If n(A) = a and n(C) = c then c*n(A) = a*n(C) = ac, trivially.
For example, if a = 2 and c = 1, 2 moles of A (plus some B) react to give 1 mole of C (plus some D). Then the number of moles of A reacted is twice the number of moles of C produced, i.e. c*n(A) = a*n(C). Your preferred equation would give 4 = 1.