Step-by-step explanation:

38.8 is the answer. Using pemdas you should find work leading to that
In this equation, you are solving for y. Simply isolate the variable by adding 1/4 to each side. The -1/4 and 1/4 will cancel out on the right side of the equation, leaving only y:
5/4 = y - 1/4
5/4 + 1/4 = y - 1/4 + 1/4
6/4 = y
y = 6/4
Don't forget to simplify y:
y = 3/2
-4x -8x +17 = 23
-12x +17 = 23
-12x=6
x= -0.5
to check plug back in the equation