twice the sum of a number and four is the same as twelve subtracted from four times the number

Question

this is an algebra problem i am having trouble with and need help with

Answer 1

Let x be the number. Remember key words that we can translate to math symbols. "Twice" means we will multiply by 2, "Sum" means +, "is" means equal, etc. So we have "Twice the sum of a number and four" means we will find the sum and then multiply by 2 (work inside to outside). So we would have 2(x+4). Since "is" means = we can continue to get 2(x+4)=4x-12. Solving, we distribute and get 2x+8=4x-12. Adding 12 to each side we get 2x+20=4x. Subtracting 2x from each side we get 20=2x. Dividing by 2 we get 10=x.