The sum of forty-two and a certain number is divided by four. The result is twice the number. Find the number
"sum of forty-two and a certain number is divided by four"
could be interpreted as:
42 + x/4 OR (42+x)/4
first interpretation:
42 + x/4 = 2x
times 4
168 + x = 8x
7x = 168
x = 24
2nd interpretation:
(42+x)/4 = 2x
42+x = 8x
7x = 42
x = 6
You decide which one you want.