3x - 4(4) = 65 First, simplify 4 × 4 to get 16. / Your problem should look like: 3x - 16 = 65 Second, add 16 to both sides. / Your problem should look like: 3x = 65 + 16 Third, simplify 65 + 16 to 81. / Your problem should look like: 3x = 81 Fourth, divide both sides by 3. / Your problem should look like: x = Fifth, simplify to 27. / Your problem should look like: x = 27