0.4 (2x plus 1/2) equal 3 (0.2x plus (-2)) minus 4

So,

0.4 (2x + 1/2) = 3 (.2x + - 2) - 4

Distribute

0.8x +.2 =.6x + - 6 - 4

Collect Like Terms

0.8x +.2 = 0.6x - 10

Get rid of the smaller placeholder (add - 0.6x to both sides)

0.2x +.2 = - 10

Subtract 0.2 from both sides

0.2x = - 10.2

Divide both sides by 0.2

x = - 51

0.4 (2x+1/2) = 3 (0.2x + (-2)) - 4

0.4 (2x+1/2) = 3 (0.2x-2) - 4

Now, we need to use distributive property

0.8x+0.2 = 0.6x-6-4

0.8x+0.2 = 0.6x-10

0.8x-0.6x+0.2 = - 10

0.2x+0.2 = - 10

0.2x = - 0.2-10

0.2x = - 10.2

x = - 10.2/0.2

x = - 51

Therefore, x = - 51