first, you need to write out the problem. the sum (which is adding) of 4 times a number ( which we will call n) and 17 is 33. you would write it like this:
(4 x n) + 17 = 33
First, find out what 33 - 17 is. (it's 16)
4 times 4 is 16
(4 x 4) + 17 = 33
16 + 17 = 33