There are no easy four steps in solving an equation. In fact it involves a lot of assessment and knowledge from the past and the current in order to make a solution for the problem. It is like solving a puzzle which may or may not contain what you already know. Here are a summarized four steps in solving an equation.
1) Clear out any fractions in the equation by multiplying each term by the highest common denominator to simplify the equation. Add or subtract other values to make it even more simplified.
2) If there is a common divisor in the equation, divide each term by the value to simplify it more.
3) Combine like terms by either cancelling or transposing terms. Factor out anything that can be factored (as long as it is simplified, the better)
4) Recognize a pattern and use different techniques, whether algebraic or trigonometric or other functions like squaring both sides.
You'll be able to find more ways along the journey so I hope this helped you get started!