1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $3(y + 4) = 8y + 37$ for $y$. 2. **Apply the distributive property:** Multiply 3 by each term inside the parentheses: $$3(y + 4) = 3 \times y + 3 \times 4 = 3y + 12$$ So the equation becomes: $$3y + 12 = 8y + 37$$ 3. **Isolate variable terms on one side:** Subtract $3y$ from both sides: $$\cancel{3y} + 12 = 8y - \cancel{3y} + 37 \implies 12 = 5y + 37$$ 4. **Isolate constant terms on the other side:** Subtract 37 from both sides: $$12 - 37 = 5y + \cancel{37} - \cancel{37} \implies -25 = 5y$$ 5. **Solve for $y$ by dividing both sides by 5:** $$\frac{-25}{\cancel{5}} = \frac{5y}{\cancel{5}} \implies -5 = y$$ 6. **Final answer:** $$y = -5$$