How do you a equation like:

4x + X +2(42-6)-23 + 5x =81
_
2

Is the whole left side of the equation divided by 2, or just the 4x ?

Just perform the indicated operations, such as
2(42-6)-23 = 72 - 23 = 49

and the answer should become aparent.

Start w/ the parentheses and go in order: AKA please excuse my dear aunt sally, parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.) It's easy.

To solve the equation (4x + X + 2(42-6) - 23 + 5x) / 2 = 81, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Simplify any expressions within parentheses.
Start by evaluating the expression within the parentheses: 2(42-6) = 2(36) = 72.

Step 2: Combine like terms.
Combine the terms with the same variable (x) together: 4x + X + 5x. Simplify this part: 9x.

Step 3: Continue simplifying the equation.
Substitute the simplified expression back into the equation: (9x + 72 - 23) / 2 = 81.

Step 4: Simplify any remaining expressions.
Combine the constants (numbers without variables): 72 - 23 = 49.

Step 5: Distribute or simplify any remaining multiplication or division.
The equation now becomes (9x + 49) / 2 = 81.

Step 6: Isolate the variable on one side of the equation.
Multiply both sides of the equation by 2 to get rid of the denominator: 9x + 49 = 162.

Step 7: Solve for x.
To isolate x, subtract 49 from both sides of the equation: 9x = 162 - 49 = 113.
Then, divide both sides of the equation by 9: x = 113/9.

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x = 113/9.