2/4x + 8 + 2/2x - 8 = 42
1/2x + 8 + x - 8 = 42
2/3 (3/2x) = 2/3 (42)
x =28
1. Distribute (multiply) 2 to all the numbers in the perenthesis
2. Group like terms
3. Find a way to make y and it's coefficient be by it's self
4. Divide both sides by the coefficient
5. if the coefficient is a fraction, you can multiply both sides by it's positive reciprocal
