I am completely lost...please anyone can anyone help?
x = 2+y x and 2 are in inches then it says solution y=x(in) - a(in)
They're just telling you the units. Algebraically,
x = 2 + y
y = x - 2
and all terms are in inches (in).
Carrying those in around may seem trivial here, but when you start doing problems in physics and chemistry, knowing the units can be a life saver!