.5*16(4+v) =136 you first divide by .5 on both sides .5 /.5 cancels leaving you with: 16(4+v)=272 then you divide by 16 on both sides 16/16 cancels leaving you with: 4 + v = 17 subtract 4 on both sides 4-4 cancels leabing you with v = 13 as your answer