Question

Three times x is two more than half of y. What is the value of y? Plz explain.

Answer 1

Three times x: 3x
is two more than half of y: 1/2y + 2

3x = 1/2y + 2

Isolate the y. Note the equal sign, what you do to one side you do to the other. Also do the opposite of PEMDAS.

3x (-2) = 1/2y + 2 (-2)

3x - 2 = 1/2y

2(1/2y) = 2(3x - 2)

y = 2(3x - 2)

distribute the 2 to all terms inside the parenthesis

2(3x) = 6x
2(-2) = -4

y = 6x - 4, or D)

hope this helps

Answer 2

Remark
Start with y. Then move over to x and see what it does.

Step one
Find the expression for y
The whole equation = 1/2 y

Step Two
Find the detailed expression for x
3 times x = 3x

Step 3 
Add 2 onto y
3x = 1/2 y + 2

Step 4
Equate the 2 parts and solve
1/2 y + 2 = 3x                Subtract 2 from both sides.
1/2 y = 3x - 2                 Multiply both sides by 2
y = 2*(3x - 2)                 Whatever is on either side of the minus must be multiplied by 2. That means you use brackets.

y = 6x - 4

D <<<< Answer