Note the equal sign. What you do to one side, you do to the other. Do the opposite of PEMDAS.
First, subtract 2 from both sides
4y² + 2 (-2) = 38 (-2)
4y² = 38 - 2
4y² = 36
Next, divide 4 from both sides
(4y²)/4 = (36)/4
y² = 36/4
y² = 9
Finally, root both sides to fully isolate the y.
√y² = √9
y = √9
√9 = √3 x √3 = 3
y = 3
3 is your answer for y
hope this helps