how to do the question:

3x(y) = 4+4x

Question

how to do the question:

3x(y) = 4+4x

anonymous · Answer

That's an equation in two variables. You can't solve it with just one equation. Where is the second equation?

anonymous · Answer

that's the only equation there is. however, instead of letters they are using shapes.

anonymous · Answer

What shapes? I see only numbers, variables and mathematical symbols.

anonymous · Answer

this is supposed to be for grade six kids.  I changed the shapes to letters to make it clearer.  The first thing I did was to divide both sides by x to get ride of the variable. But I had to spell it out for my son.  So this is what I did:
3xy-4=4-4+4x
3xy-4=4-4+4x
3xy-4+4x
(divide by x)
3y - 4 = 4
3y-4+4=4+4
3y=8

anonymous · Answer

You've made a mistake when you divided both the sides by x. Trust me, an equation in two variables needs 2 different equations to solve. There is no other way. Either that, or maybe you've misunderstood the question.