first, spread the parenthesis. y+2=1/2x-1.5
second, add 1.5 to both sides. y+3.5=1/2x
third, multiply by 2. 2y+7=x
if you are solving for y, do not do the third step, instead, subtract by 3.5. y=x-3.5
hope this helps!
ANSWER: x=2y+7 or y=x-3.5