3 (y - 0.5) = 2 (y + 1) + 4.5 Distribute the 3 into (y + 0.5)
3y - 1.5 = 2 (y + 1) + 4.5 Distribute the 2 into (y + 1)
3y - 1.5 = 2y + 2 + 4.5 Combine like terms (2 and 4.5)
3y - 1.5 = 2y + 6.5 Add 1.5 to both sides
3y = 2y + 8 Subtract 2y from both sides
y = 8