Question

How to solve this I am very confused and have a test tomorrow

Answer 1

Hey, let's start if you know how to use PEMDAS, start with the parenthesis so you will want to distribute the 4 to the 'x' and the '+3' and for now leave the positive 16 alone. When you distribute (multiply) you should get 4x+12=16. Next you have to "isolate" the variable; so you are going to want to subtract the 12 from the sixteen, {dont forget that for the equation to be equal, you have to subtract the +12 from both sides.} This gives you 4x=4, from there divide by 4x on both sides because you are still trying to isolate that variable, which is x, so because they are multiplying 'x' by four you want to cancel that by dividing then your final answer should be x=1.
P.S. Plese let me know if I helped or not Good luck on your test! : )

Answer 2

4(x+3) = 16

First divide by 4 on both sides

x+3 = 4
 
Then subtract 3 from both sides

x = 1

Then check your work 

4(1+3) = 16
4(4) = 16
16 = 16

Hope this helped! :)