In order to solve for x, our long term goal is essentially trying to isolate x, or to have only x on one side.
First of all, let's start by distributing numbers.
4(2x + 1) = 3(x + 8)
8x + 4 = 3x + 24
Subtract both sides by 3x:
5x + 4 = 24
Subtract both sides by 4:
5x = 20
Divide both sides by 5:
x = 4
There we go. That wasn't so bad, was it?
Let me know if you need any further explanation :))
-T.B.