1. **State the problem:** Solve the linear equation $2x + 1 = 4$ for $x$. 2. **Write down the equation:** $$2x + 1 = 4$$ 3. **Isolate the term with $x$:** Subtract 1 from both sides: $$2x + 1 - \cancel{1} = 4 - \cancel{1}$$ $$2x = 3$$ 4. **Solve for $x$ by dividing both sides by 2:** $$\frac{2x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{3}{\cancel{2}}$$ $$x = \frac{3}{2}$$ 5. **Final answer:** $$x = \frac{3}{2}$$ This means $x$ equals one and a half or 1.5.