4x the sum of 3x a number +2 is = to 3x the
difference of 2x the number decreased by 8
To avoid confusion with the xs used in the problem
definition, I will use y as the unknown, and the asterisk
to designate multiplication.
4 * ((3 * y) + 2) = 3 * ((2 * y) - 8)
12y + 8 = 6y - 24
6y = -32
y = -32/6 = -16/3
Let's see if that works.
4 * ((3 * (-16/3)) + 2) = 3 * ((2 * (-16/3)) - 8)
4 * (-16 + 2) = 3 * ((-32/3) - 8)
4 * (-14) = -32 - 24
-56 = -56
Close enough. y = -16/3