1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $2x + 4 = 16$ for $x$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve a linear equation, isolate the variable on one side by performing inverse operations. 3. **Step 1:** Subtract 4 from both sides to isolate the term with $x$: $$2x + 4 - 4 = 16 - 4$$ $$2x = 12$$ 4. **Step 2:** Divide both sides by 2 to solve for $x$: $$\frac{\cancel{2}x}{\cancel{2}} = \frac{12}{2}$$ $$x = 6$$ 5. **Final answer:** $x = 6$